Harmony House: Catheter Care Deficiencies - LA
Federal inspectors found Harmony House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center staff had placed the tray on Resident #13's geri chair without completing any of the assessments or obtaining the written consent required before using restraints on nursing home residents.
The violation came to light during a complaint inspection on October 1st. At 8:45 that morning, inspectors observed Resident #13 seated in a geri chair with a lap tray in place.
When questioned about the device five hours later, two nurses defended the facility's approach. The registered nurse and MDS nurse told inspectors that because the lap tray was being used as a positioning device, it didn't count as a restraint.
No consent needed. No assessment required.
The Director of Nursing doubled down on this interpretation during her own interview an hour later. She told inspectors the lap tray was there so Resident #13 could get out of bed, not to restrain movement.
But the DON's explanation contained a crucial admission. She confirmed that no pre-restraint assessment had been completed. No written consent existed.
The facility had simply decided unilaterally that the device strapping a resident to their chair wasn't actually a restraint.
Federal regulations are clear about what constitutes a restraint in nursing homes. Any device that restricts freedom of movement or normal access to one's body requires specific protocols before use.
Lap trays attached to wheelchairs or geri chairs fall squarely within this definition when they prevent residents from getting up independently. The stated purpose matters less than the actual effect on the resident's mobility.
The required process before using any restraint involves multiple steps. Staff must complete a comprehensive assessment of the resident's condition and alternatives to restraint use. They must obtain written consent from the resident or their representative. They must document the specific medical need and treatment plan.
None of this happened with Resident #13.
The nursing staff's reasoning reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of restraint regulations. Calling a lap tray a "positioning device" doesn't exempt it from restraint protocols if it restricts the resident's ability to move freely.
Their claim that it helped the resident "get out of bed" makes little sense given that lap trays typically prevent residents from standing up from their chairs without assistance.
The violation carries particular weight because restraint use in nursing homes has a troubled history. Physical restraints have been linked to increased falls, pressure sores, incontinence, depression, and even death from strangulation.
Federal oversight has focused heavily on eliminating unnecessary restraint use since the 1990s. Facilities must demonstrate that less restrictive alternatives have been tried and failed before resorting to any device that limits resident movement.
The inspection found that some residents were affected by this violation, though the report doesn't specify how many others may have been subjected to similar unauthorized restraint use.
Harmony House's approach suggests a broader problem with staff training and understanding of resident rights. When multiple nurses, including the Director of Nursing, share the same incorrect interpretation of restraint regulations, it points to systemic issues rather than individual mistakes.
The facility received a citation for minimal harm or potential for actual harm. But the psychological impact on residents who find themselves unable to move freely from their chairs without consent or explanation can be significant.
Resident #13 remained seated in the geri chair with the lap tray in place while nursing supervisors insisted to federal inspectors that what they were seeing wasn't really happening.
The restraint stayed. The explanations didn't hold up.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Harmony House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, I from 2025-10-01 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.
Additional Resources
Data source: Official federal inspection data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Editorial process: AI-synthesized regulatory data, reviewed for accuracy by our editorial team.
Professional review: All content reviewed by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., NH EMT & BU-trained Paralegal.
Last verified: August 4, 2026 · Our methodology
Harmony House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, I in SHREVEPORT, LA was cited for violations during a health inspection on October 1, 2025.
The violation came to light during a complaint inspection on October 1st.
Health inspections identify deficiencies that facilities must correct. Violations range from minor documentation issues to serious safety concerns. Review the full report below for specific details and facility response.