Federal inspectors cited Alaris Health at West Orange for failing to follow facility protocols that required comprehensive care plans within seven days of admission and regular skin checks for vulnerable residents.
The facility's skin assessment policy mandated head-to-toe examinations upon admission, bi-weekly observations, and weekly assessments for residents with existing skin problems. Staff were required to document all findings in progress notes and notify physicians about new skin impairments.
Under the facility's wound management policy, nurses must assess skin problems, start appropriate treatment per doctor's orders, monitor impairments daily, and document everything. The policy specifically required immediate physician and family notification for Stage I pressure sores and other skin conditions.
Documentation policies demanded that staff complete records "as soon as possible" and report any changes in resident condition to attending physicians and family members.
Inspectors found the nursing home failed to meet these self-imposed standards in cases involving multiple residents. The violations resulted in actual harm, though the facility is disputing the citation.
The facility's own policies spelled out clear procedures: baseline care plans within 48 hours, comprehensive plans within seven days, and regular reviews by interdisciplinary teams after each assessment. Staff were supposed to enter orders into the computer system and clarify findings in progress notes.
The inspection revealed gaps between written policy and actual practice that directly affected resident care and safety.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Alaris Health At West Orange from 2025-12-22 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.