CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — In July, KRIS 6 Investigates reported on air conditioning problems at Pelican Pointe Nursing Facility that led to an investigation. Shortly after, KRIS 6 Investigates filed a Public Information Request to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the results of that investigation.
The report said that when residents endured A/C problems at the facility, they reported feeling nauseous, sweating, and hopeless. One resident said they were not offered anything or moved to other rooms, even though the reported temperature indoors was 88.5 degrees. It was also reported that Pelican Pointe failed to check residents for heat-related illness symptoms during this situation.
Pelican Pointe placed temporary A/C units throughout the facility, repaired the chiller, and hired a new Maintenance Director. The previous one was terminated when issues were brought to light.
The investigation also stated that a resident(s) left the facility without supervision, with at least one being found 2.5 miles away. In response, Pelican Pointe said they serve as "the resident's home and allows them complete discretion to come and go as they please." However, Andrew Skemp, an attorney who specializes in nursing facility cases, said this policy is dangerous.
“As a residential nursing home facility, our facility serves as the residents’ home and allows them complete discretion to come and go as they please. The resident that Channel 6 inquired about, as per the resident’s physician, was deem mentally competent and able to sign themselves in and out of the facility. The point of contact/family member listed on the resident’s file stated that the resident was going the correct route to her home, that he chose not to return to the facility but decided to stay at the responsible party’s home until later that day.
Regarding the current regulatory and enforcement environment in Texas, The Texas Healthcare Association shared a letter sent to Stephen Pahl, deputy executive commissioner of regulatory services with the Health and Human Services Commission, regarding an unprecedented increase of 400% of IJs cited in the first six months of this year across the state of Texas (please see attached). Many of the issues that are resulting in IJ tags have historically been deemed minor infractions that in large part had no impact on the health and safety of nursing home residents. Many stakeholders have expressed their concern with this new trend and have started a dialogue with HHSC to better understanding the expectations of the state. Resident safety and comfort has always been a top priority for our facilities and will continue to be the number one focus of our administrators. We have worked diligently to address any concerns that have been brought to our attention.”
"Cognitive impairment leads to a much greater risk of injury because it's much harder for them to speak out or contact someone," Skemp said.
The investigation also stated the facility failed to maintain a safe and clean environment for some residents, which Skemp said is common throughout the state.
"Texas is ranked at the very bottom or near the bottom for nursing home rankings for several years. They are 49 or 50 every time and there’s not a lot of protection for residents," Skemp said.
KRIS 6 reached out to the Texas Health and Human Services Commissionto ask if and when they will follow up with changes made at the nursing facility. They got back with us with the following.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission takes any concern about resident health or safety extremely seriously. One of our core missions is to protect the vulnerable individuals needing long-term care services in Texas.
HHSC conducts surveys and investigations to determine if a nursing home is compliant with state and federal health and safety statutes and rules [hhs.texas.gov]. If HHSC identifies noncompliance, providers are required to correct the noncompliance. Depending on the severity of noncompliance, HHSC may also utilize enforcement remedies [texreg.sos.state.tx.us] such as monetary penalties, directed plans of correction, directed in-service training, denial of payment from Medicaid, facility closure, or license revocation.
If family members, residents or anyone else has a concern about the quality of care or services in the nursing facilities – and particularly any concern related to abuse or neglect of a resident – they are urged to notify HHSC immediately using this hotline: 800-458-9858.
Please visit our Complaint and Incident Intake website [hhs.texas.gov] to learn more about reporting incidents.
For the full report of the investigation, click here.
For the latest local news updates, click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App.
