Palmetto Care Center And Rehab
PALMETTO CARE CENTER AND REHAB in HIALEAH, FL — inspection on February 26, 2026.
Found 8 citations. Severity: Standard violations.
Health inspections identify deficiencies that facilities must correct within required timeframes. Violations range from minor documentation issues to serious safety concerns and are subject to follow-up verification.
Inspection Findings
Observation on 02/23/2026 at 9:28 AM revealed Staff D, Registered Nurse (RN) leaving the computer screen open (photo evidence) on the South Wing Cart 2 medication cart during medication pass.
Interview on 02/23/2026 at 10:00 AM Staff D, RN stated: I understand that Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) involve protecting patient information and maintaining privacy, including using privacy curtains during patient care.
Examples of HIPAA compliance include locking the computer screen and medication cart before walking away to prevent unauthorized access to patient information.
Computer screens should not be left open and unattended.
On 02/24/2026 at 2:12 PM an observation revealed Staff I, Registered Nurse (RN) administering medications to Resident # 89 in unit the South hallway.
On 02/24/2026 at 2:17 PM Staff I, RN was interviewed about the facility's protocol for providing privacy during medication administration and stated, The protocol is to administer medications inside residents' room. I did not do this because the resident is going to an appointment and asked for pain medication.
Interview on 02/25/2026 at 11:53 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated: The nurses should maintain HIPAA compliance and protect patient confidentiality by ensuring that medical records are always kept covered and not discussed out loud in public or common areas.
Staff are reminded to avoid sharing sensitive information where others could overhear, reinforcing the importance of maintaining privacy.
The nurses also take precautions to safeguard both electronic and written records.
Computers should never be left open or unattended, and medication carts and computer screens are kept locked whenever the nurse is not physically present.
Staff receive HIPAA and confidentiality training through an online platform, which is completed annually to ensure compliance with current best practices.
Record review of the facility's policy titled, Confidentiality of Information and Personal Privacy dated February 2021 revealed Policy Statement: Our facility will protect and safeguard resident confidentiality and personal privacy.
Any deficiency statement ending with an asterisk (*) denotes a deficiency which the institution may be excused from correcting providing it is determined that other safeguards provide sufficient protection to the patients. (See instructions.) Except for nursing homes, the findings stated above are disclosable 90 days following the date of survey whether or not a plan of correction is provided.
For nursing homes, the above findings and plans of correction are disclosable 14 days following the date these documents are made available to the facility. If deficiencies are cited, an approved plan of correction is requisite to continued program participation.
LABORATORY DIRECTOR'S OR PROVIDER/SUPPLIER TITLE (X6) DATE REPRESENTATIVE'S SIGNATURE
105575 02/26/2026
Palmetto Care Center and Rehab 6750 West 22nd Court Hialeah, FL 33016
Federal health inspectors cited PALMETTO CARE CENTER AND REHAB in HIALEAH, FL for a deficiency under regulatory tag F-F0684 during a standard health inspection conducted on 2026-02-26.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
The facility was found deficient in the following area: Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Scope/Severity Level D: isolated, no actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm.
While no actual harm was documented, there was potential for more than minimal harm to residents.
This was one of 8 deficiencies cited during this inspection of PALMETTO CARE CENTER AND REHAB.
Correction Status: Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.
Observation of an unlocked Soiled Utility Room door that contained Biohazard materials. A container of disinfectant wipes Resident #89's nightstand.
Box of razors left unattended in the North Wing.
There were 86 residents residing in the facility at the time of survey.
The findings include:1) On [DATE] at 6:05 AM an observation was made of lancets left unattended on top of the South Wing medication cart #1(photo).On [DATE] at 6:07 AM, Staff H, Registered Nurse (RN) was notified and revealed lancets are to be keep locked in the carts. 2) On [DATE] at 6:21 AM an observation was made of The Soiled Utility room door left unlocked.On [DATE] at 6:30 AM Staff H, RN was notified and stated, The door is to be locked.
During an interview on [DATE] at 6:58 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated: The Soiled Utility room to be kept locked for infection control and the safety of residents.
Also revealed the room contains Biohazard materials. 3) On [DATE] at 6:50 AM a container labeled Disinfectant wipes was observed at Resident # 89's bedside.On [DATE] at 6:52 AM, the DON was made aware and removed the container.
The DON revealed the wipes are to be kept in the drawer.
Record review of a demographic sheet revealed Resident # 89 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnosis that included but not limited to: Orthopedic aftercare.
Record review of an admission Minimum Data Set reference dated [DATE] revealed Resident # 89 had a Brief Interview for Mental Status score of 15 indicated no cognitive impairment, required set up clean up assistance for eating and substantial/ maximal assistance for toileting and was dependent for transfers.
Record review of a care plan initiated on [DATE] revealed Resident # 89 displayed deceased safety awareness related to generalized weakness after surgery with interventions that included: Self-care management training.
Record review of a February 2026 physician orders sheet for Resident # 89 revealed order dated [DATE] for Mobility: Activities as tolerated. 4) Observation on [DATE] at 10:10 AM, on the North Wing revealed a box containing razors and an open box containing A&D ointments on an unattended wheeled platform utility cart. On [DATE] at 10:15 AM, the central supply staff notified of the identified concern revealed the razors should not be left unattended for the safety of residents.
Record review of facility's policy titled Hazardous Areas, Devices and Equipment undated revealed Policy Statement: All hazardous areas, devices and equipment in the facility will be identified and addressed appropriately to ensure resident safety
105575 02/26/2026
Palmetto Care Center and Rehab 6750 West 22nd Court Hialeah, FL 33016
at any given time.
The findings included:
Record review of the Posting Direct Care Daily Staffing
will post on a daily basis for each shit nurse staffing data, including the number of nursing personnel responsible for providing direct care to residents; Policy Interpretation and Implementation: 1) Within two hours of the beginning of each shift, the number of licensed nurses (Registered Nurses-RN, Licensed Practical Nurses-LPN) and the number of unlicensed nursing personnel (Certified Nursing Assistants-CNA, Nursing Assistants-NA) directly responsible for resident care is posted in a prominent location (accessible to residents and visitors) and in a clear and readable format and 2) Directly responsible for resident care means that individuals are responsible for residents' total care or some aspect of the residents' care.
Shift staffing information is recorded on a form for each shift.
The information recorded on the form shall include the following: b) The current date (the date for which the information is posted); c) The resident census at the beginning of the shift for which the information is posted; e) The shift for which the information is posted; f) Type (RN, LPN or CNA) and category (licensed or non-licensed) of nursing staff working during that shift who are paid by the facility (including contract staff); g) The actual time worked during that shift for each category and type of nursing staff and h) Total number of licensed and non-licensed nursing staff working for the posted shift. 1) Observation of the South Wing Nursing Assignments board on 2/23/26 at 6:05 AM revealed information documented was for the oncoming 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM shift.
Photographic evidence. 2) Observation of the North Wing Nursing assignments board on 2/23/26 at 6:07 AM revealed the board had staffing information documented assignments for the 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM shift for 2/23/26.
It did not have staffing assignments documented for the 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM shift for 2/22/26.
Photographic evidence submitted.
Interview with Staff E, Registered Nurse (RN) on 2/23/26 at 6:49 AM.
She revealed the staffing board is to be changed one hour before the next shift starts.
She confirmed that the staffing board documented the 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM shift for 2/23/26 and not the 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM shift for 2/22/26.
Interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) on 2/23/26 at 6:55 AM.
She stated, The present shift changes the nursing board for the next shift.
The DON confirmed that the staffing board should reflect the current nursing staff working.
Interview with the Staffing coordinator on 02/24/2026 at 3:25 PM revealed the assignment boards are to be posted within two hours of the beginning of the current shift. I think the overnight staff were attempting to be proactive by posting the assignment early so the oncoming staff can know where to go.
105575 02/26/2026
Palmetto Care Center and Rehab 6750 West 22nd Court Hialeah, FL 33016
expected to be removed from the medication cart following a resident's discharge. however, in this
(ADON), or another authorized nurse administering the waste process.
Interview on [DATE] at 2:18 PM with Pharmacist Consultant stated: Once a resident is discharged or expires, narcotics should be removed from the medication cart and secured for destruction, although the exact timeframe may depend on the facility's policy.' Record review of the facility's policy titled Controlled substances [DATE] stated
- Controlled substances remaining in the facility after the order has been discontinued or the
resident has been discharged are securely locked in an area with restricted access until destroyed.23.
Accountability records for discontinued controlled substances are kept with the unused supply until it is destroyed or disposed of as required by applicable law or regulation.24.
The consultant pharmacist or designee routinely monitors controlled substance storage records.
Record review of the facility's policy titled Medication Labeling and Storage February 2023 stated
- The nursing staff is responsible for maintaining medication storage and preparation areas in a
clean, safe, and sanitary manner.3. If the facility has discontinued, outdated or deteriorated medications or biologicals, the dispensing pharmacy is contacted for instructions regarding returning or destroying these items.4.
Compartments (including, but not limited to, drawers, cabinets, rooms, refrigerators, carts, and boxes) containing medications and biologicals are locked when not in use, and trays or carts used to transport such items are not left unattended if open or otherwise potentially available to others.5.
Medications are stored in an orderly manner in cabinets, drawers, carts, or automatic dispensing systems.
Each resident's medications are assigned to an individual cubicle, drawer, or other holding area to prevent the possibility of mixing medications of several residents.
105575 02/26/2026
Palmetto Care Center and Rehab 6750 West 22nd Court Hialeah, FL 33016
Federal health inspectors cited PALMETTO CARE CENTER AND REHAB in HIALEAH, FL for a deficiency under regulatory tag F-F0812 during a standard health inspection conducted on 2026-02-26.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
The facility was found deficient in the following area: Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Scope/Severity Level D: isolated, no actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm.
While no actual harm was documented, there was potential for more than minimal harm to residents.
This was one of 8 deficiencies cited during this inspection of PALMETTO CARE CENTER AND REHAB.
Correction Status: Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.
corrective plans of action.
of actions were implemented to correct identified quality deficiencies in the problem area related to
facility's staff failed to close a computer screen on the South medication cart # 2 during medication administration which left resident's information visible and it was observed a staff member administering medications to Resident # 89 in the hallways and F-F880 Infection Prevention and Control failed to ensure infection control standards were followed on the South Wing Soiled Utility Room and for one (Resident # 96) out of one sample resident receiving oxygen as evidenced by 1)Observation of facility's staff placing a dirty nasal cannula into Resident # 96's nostrils. 2) Observation of facility's staff exiting the Soiled Utility room without performing hand hygiene.
This deficient practice had the potential to affect 86 residents residing in the facility at the time of survey.
The findings included.The findings included:
Record review of the facility's survey history revealed, during a recertification survey with exit dated February 27, 2025. F-F583 Personal Privacy/Confidentially of Records facility failed to safeguard and ensure privacy of resident's confidential Electronic Health Records (EHR); as evidenced by one out of four of the facility's medication carts' computer screen was left unlocked and unattended revealing resident's information. F-F880 Infection Prevention and Control, facility failed to follow infection prevention and control procedures for Resident # 183, as evidenced by Resident # 183's Spirometer was observed at Resident # 183's bedside with no protective covering.
Interview with the Administrator on 02/26/2026 at 2:20 PM.
She stated that the QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement) meeting is held on the last Thursday of every month.
She stated QAPI Committee included the Administrator, Director of Nursing, Medical Director, Social Services Director, Dietary Director, Infection Preventions, Medical Records Director, Nurse supervisors, the Maintenance Director, Environmental Director, MDS Coordinator and a Certified Nursing Assistant is invited.
She stated they have a meeting every morning; staff revealed the issues from the prior day.
She stated is the issue is high risk for residents; it is addressed immediately.
She stated last month's meetings were discussed and working to prevent falls and it worked; the residents' fall incidents decreased in comparison to last year.
She stated the facility reported that it is working to improve and maintain its systems by continuing to conduct audits of customer services, program advocacy processes, and quarterly resident sample interviews based on the critical pathway.
The quality manager also interviews residents, family members, and staff involved with the same resident to support ongoing quality monitoring and service enhancement.
Review of the Policy and Procedures for Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program not dated revealed Policy Statement: This facility shall develop, implement, and maintain an ongoing, facility-wide date-driven QAPI Program that is focused on indicators of the outcomes of care and quality of life for our residents.
Policy Interpretation and Implementation: The objectives of the QAPI Program are to 1-Provide a means to measure current and potential indicators for outcomes of care and quality of life. 2- Provide a means to establish and implement performance improvement projects to correct identified negative or problematic indicators. 3-Reinforce and build upon effective systems and processes related to the delivery of quality of care and services. 4-Establish systems through which to monitor and evaluate corrective actions.
105575 02/26/2026
Palmetto Care Center and Rehab 6750 West 22nd Court Hialeah, FL 33016
During an interview on 02/23/2026 at 6:58 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) revealed oxygen tubing is to be stored in a dated bag with the room number and placed in the drawer.
If a resident's nasal cannula comes out and is on the floor the nurse is to use the pulse oximeter and measure oxygen level then change the tubing and date it.
Record review of a demographic sheet revealed Resident # 96 was admitted on [DATE] with Diagnosis that included but not limited to: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Acute Pulmonary edema.
Record review of a baseline care plan initiated on 2/2/2026 revealed Resident # 96 had the potential for complications of respiratory distress and the interventions included: Administer supplemental oxygen as ordered and perform lung sounds/respiratory assessment as needed.
Record review of a physician order sheet revealed Resident#96 had an order dated:2/19/26 for Oxygen at 2 Liters per minute via Nasal Cannula as needed for Shortness of breath. 2) On 02/24/2026 at 12:01 PM, Staff J, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was observed entering The Soiled Utility Room with a plastic bag of trash and exiting without performing hand hygiene.On 02/24/2026 at 12:07 PM the Assistant Director of Nursing/Infection Preventionist revealed staff are to perform hand hygiene before leaving the Soiled Utility Room.
Interview on 02/24/2026 at 12:12 PM with Staff J, CNA (translated by other surveyor) Staff J, CNA revealed I did not wash my hands before exiting the Soiled Utility Room because I did not touch anything while in the room.
Record review of facility's policy titled Infection Prevention and Control Program dated December 2025 revealed Policy Statement: An infection prevention and control (IPC) program is established and maintained to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.