State inspectors found that Atrium Post Acute Care at Park Ridge did not follow required protocols for tuberculosis skin tests during an October 23 complaint investigation. The facility failed to read initial test results and document whether residents tested negative before proceeding with additional testing.
The problems centered on a two-step tuberculosis testing process that nursing homes must follow for residents. According to facility staff, the first test should be administered on admission day, then read within 48 to 72 hours. If that initial test comes back negative, a second test must be given on day 14.
But inspectors discovered the facility had no documented evidence that staff ever read the results of the first tuberculosis test for at least one resident. Without reading that initial test, nurses couldn't determine whether the resident tested negative and needed the follow-up screening.
LPN #2 told inspectors the facility should document test orders in the electronic medication administration record, with additional documentation in progress notes and the electronic immunization records. But when inspectors reviewed the medical records, they found gaps in the tuberculosis testing documentation.
The licensed practical nurse couldn't answer basic questions about the facility's tuberculosis testing protocols. When inspectors asked what nurses should do when a resident is hospitalized and returns the same day a tuberculosis test is due to be read, LPN #2 admitted he didn't know the answer.
LPN #2 also couldn't remember details about the specific resident whose tuberculosis testing had been mishandled.
Inspectors tried twice to reach LPN #3 for an interview at 12:55 PM on October 23, but were unable to connect with that staff member.
The facility's leadership acknowledged the testing failures during meetings with inspectors. At 4:44 PM, the Director of Nursing confirmed that the second tuberculosis test should only be administered after the first test comes back negative, and that both tests must be read within 48 to 72 hours of administration.
Tuberculosis testing serves as a critical infection control measure in nursing homes, where residents with compromised immune systems face higher risks from infectious diseases. The two-step testing protocol helps identify residents who may have been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria, even if they don't show active symptoms.
Missing or incomplete tuberculosis testing can leave facilities unaware of potential infections among residents and staff. Without proper screening, tuberculosis can spread through close-contact environments like nursing homes before symptoms become apparent.
The inspection found that the facility's tuberculosis testing problems affected multiple residents, not just isolated cases. Inspectors classified the violation as having potential for actual harm to residents, though no immediate injuries were documented.
During the exit conference at 5:00 PM on October 23, facility administrators provided no additional information to address the tuberculosis testing deficiencies. The Licensed Nursing Home Administrator remained present for the discussions but offered no explanations for the testing gaps.
The violation represents a failure to meet New Jersey nursing home regulations requiring proper tuberculosis screening protocols. State regulations mandate that facilities follow established procedures for infectious disease testing to protect resident health and safety.
Atrium Post Acute Care at Park Ridge operates at 120 Noyes Drive in Park Ridge. The facility must submit a plan of correction to address the tuberculosis testing deficiencies identified during the October inspection.
The complaint investigation revealed systematic problems with the facility's infection control protocols, raising questions about staff training and oversight of critical health screening procedures.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Atrium Post Acute Care At Park Ridge from 2025-10-23 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.
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