The most recent inspection on June 3, 2025, found no deficiencies in compliance with Connecticut statutes and regulations. Earlier inspections showed some deficiencies primarily related to documentation issues, including advance directives, code status, and communication about resident readmission. Complaint investigations substantiated problems with medical record accuracy and timely notification to hospitals, but prior plans of correction were accepted and found in compliance. No fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license actions were listed in the available reports. The facility appears to have addressed earlier documentation concerns, as the most recent inspection was clean.
Deficiencies (last 7 years)
Deficiencies (over 7 years)3.7 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
The inspection was a desk audit conducted on 6/3/25 to review compliance with the General Statutes of Connecticut and regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
Findings
No violations of the General Statutes of Connecticut and/or regulations of Connecticut State Agencies were identified at the time of this inspection.
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Izabela Grabarz
Director of Nursing
Personnel contacted during the inspection and notified by telephone that all violations were corrected.
Unannounced visits were made to Autumn Lake Healthcare at Norwalk for the purpose of conducting an investigation related to complaint #43969.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure accurate and consistent advance directives and code status documentation for Resident #1, including failure to obtain code status from the legal representative, undated physician orders, and incomplete medical record documentation regarding notification of change in condition. These deficiencies contributed to confusion during a medical emergency and incomplete documentation of family notification after the resident's death.
Complaint Details
Complaint #43969 triggered the investigation. The complaint involved issues with advance directives, physician orders, and medical record documentation related to Resident #1.
Deficiencies (3)
Description
Failed to ensure the code status was obtained from the legal representative and the medical record included accurate advance directives.
Failed to ensure physician orders were dated when signed.
Failed to ensure the medical record was complete and accurate, including notification of the responsible party of a change in condition.
Report Facts
Brief Interview Mental Status (BIMS) score: 7Dates related to Resident #1: Conservator of Person effective date 2018-06-11; Advanced Directives dated 2023-10-14; Physician admission order dated 2024-06-20; MDS dated 2024-10-21; Resident Care Plan dated 2024-11-07; Physician order dated 2024-12-01; Nursing note dated 2025-01-13.Plan of Correction compliance date: Compliance date for all violations is 2025-04-16.
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Maureen Golas Markure
Supervising Nurse Consultant
Signed the notice letter and responsible for communication regarding violations.
Adrian Thomas
Administrator
Named as facility administrator and involved in interviews regarding findings.
RN #1
Day shift unit manager
Interviewed regarding code status confusion and notification of death.
RN #2
Night supervisor
Interviewed regarding code blue response and documentation of notification.
RN #4
Regional Nurse
Interviewed about undated physician orders.
APRN #1
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Interviewed about not dating physician orders when signed.
A desk audit was completed to review the implementation of the Plan of Correction for the violation letter.
Findings
Violations #1 and #2 were identified as corrected as of 9/26/2024. The Plan of Correction was accepted and found in compliance. No additional findings were identified.
Deficiencies (1)
Description
Violations #1 and #2 identified corrected as of 9/26/2024
An unannounced visit was conducted to Autumn Lake Healthcare At Norwalk on August 13, 2024, by the Department of Public Health for the purpose of conducting a complaint investigation survey.
Findings
The facility failed to timely notify the discharging hospital that they would not readmit a resident following hospitalization and failed to ensure complete and accurate documentation regarding readmission or refusal to readmit a resident. Interviews and record reviews confirmed lack of communication and documentation related to the refusal to readmit Resident #2.
Complaint Details
The visit was complaint-related with complaints numbered #36685 and #40145. The investigation found substantiated violations related to communication and documentation failures concerning readmission of Resident #2.
Deficiencies (2)
Description
Failure to notify the discharging facility timely that they would not readmit the resident following hospitalization.
Failure to ensure a complete and accurate record including documentation regarding a readmission or refusal to readmit a resident.
Report Facts
Plan of Correction submission deadline: 2024Date of Compliance: 2024Audit frequency: 4Audit frequency: 2
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Adrian Thomas
Administrator
Named in interviews regarding denial of readmission and communication failures
Maureen Golas Markure
Supervising Nurse Consultant
Author of the inspection report and contact for questions regarding violations
An unannounced visit was conducted to Autumn Lake Healthcare At Norwalk for the purpose of a complaint investigation survey.
Findings
The facility failed to timely notify the discharging hospital that they would not readmit a resident following hospitalization and failed to ensure complete and accurate documentation regarding readmission or refusal to readmit a resident. Interviews and record reviews confirmed lack of communication and documentation related to the denial of readmission for Resident #2.
Complaint Details
The visit was complaint-related with complaints #36685 and #40145. The investigation found substantiated deficiencies related to communication and documentation failures concerning readmission of a resident.
Deficiencies (2)
Description
Failed to notify the discharging facility timely that they would not readmit the resident following hospitalization.
Failed to ensure a complete and accurate record including documentation regarding a readmission or refusal to readmit a resident.
Report Facts
Plan of correction submission deadline: Sep 26, 2024Date of compliance: Sep 21, 2024Residents reviewed for discharge: 3Resident readmission date: Nov 27, 2023Resident discharge date: Oct 30, 2023
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Adrian Thomas
Administrator
Named in interviews regarding denial of readmission and communication failures.
Maureen Golas Markure
Supervising Nurse Consultant
Author of the inspection report and contact for questions regarding violations.
The inspection was conducted as a licensing inspection with a renewal purpose, including review of complaint investigations identified by numbers CT37423, CT33799, CT33761, and CT40065.
Findings
The report indicates that violations of the General Statutes of Connecticut and/or regulations were reviewed, with attached violation letters referenced. The certification file was also reviewed as part of the inspection process.
Complaint Details
Complaint investigations referenced by numbers CT37423, CT33799, CT33761, and CT40065 were reviewed during the inspection.
Report Facts
Licensed Bed Capacity: 150Census: 140
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Dana Lemay
Personnel contacted during inspection
Marie Mathieu
Survey Team Leader / Supervisor
Supervisor and report submitter
Inspection Report Plan of CorrectionCensus: 137Capacity: 150Deficiencies: 0May 30, 2024
Visit Reason
A desk audit was conducted to review the implementation of the Plan of Correction for a prior violation letter dated 4/11/24.
Findings
The desk audit found that Violation #1 was corrected as of 5/30/24. The administrator and director of nursing confirmed via telephone that all violations were corrected.
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Adrian Thomas
Administrator
Contacted during the desk audit and confirmed correction of violations.
A desk audit was conducted on 03/08/2022 and 03/09/2022 for the purpose of reviewing the Plan of Correction (POC) for the violation letter dated 02/07/2022.
Findings
Violations 1, 2, 3, and 4 had been corrected and no violations were identified at the time of this desk audit. The facility is in compliance with all regulations surveyed.
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
James Tan
RN, Nurse Consultant
Conducted the desk audit and submitted the report.
An unannounced visit was made by a representative of the Facility Licensing and Investigation Section on 5/3/20 for the purpose of conducting a COVID-19 survey.
Findings
Staffing was reviewed for 5/3/20 and met the minimum requirements of the regulations of the State Agency. Based on a tour of the facility, review of facility documentation and interviews, no findings were identified during this visit.
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Lorraine Brooks-Williams
RN/DPV
Personnel contacted during the COVID-19 survey visit
Meghan Smith
Administrator
Personnel contacted during the COVID-19 survey visit
Inspection Report Plan of CorrectionDeficiencies: 1Jan 14, 2020
Visit Reason
The document is a Plan of Correction responding to a violation related to Resident #1's care, specifically addressing dehydration and fluid imbalance risks.
Findings
Resident #1 had multiple health issues including dementia and was at risk for dehydration. The care plan failed to adequately monitor and address dehydration risks despite identified nutritional problems and lab results indicating worsening dehydration. Resident #1 was discharged prior to reassessment.
Deficiencies (1)
Description
Care plan failed to reflect interventions and goals directed to monitoring the resident for dehydration.
Report Facts
Date of compliance: Feb 21, 2020
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing
Interviewed regarding Resident #1's risk for dehydration and care plan
Assistant Director of Nursing
Assistant Director of Nursing
Interviewed regarding Resident #1's risk for dehydration and care plan
The inspection was conducted as a licensure renewal inspection and certification survey for Autumn Lake Healthcare at New Britain.
Findings
Multiple violations of the Connecticut General Statutes and regulations were identified during the inspection, including deficiencies in medical records, care planning, medication administration, infection control, and facility maintenance. Plans of correction were submitted to address these issues.
Deficiencies (9)
Description
Failure to ensure care plans were revised to prevent injury related to behaviors.
Failure to ensure discharge planning was adequate and medical equipment was properly evaluated.
Failure to ensure behaviors were addressed to prevent falls and injuries.
Failure to monitor respiratory status and obtain daily weights as ordered.
Failure to ensure pain management and medication administration were properly documented and monitored.
Failure to ensure proper documentation and investigation of alleged abuse.
Failure to ensure infection control practices, including PPE use and medication administration, were followed.
Failure to ensure proper documentation of transfers and medical records.
Failure to ensure facility maintenance and environmental safety standards were met.
Report Facts
Licensed Bed Capacity: 282Census: 242Inspection Dates: 6
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Joshua Schechter
Administrator
Named as personnel contacted and author of plan of correction cover letter.
Judy Birtwistle
Supervising Nurse Consultant
Signed multiple reports and notices related to the inspection.
Karen Gworek
Supervising Nurse Consultant
Signed complaint investigation related documents.
Megan Smith
Administrator
Personnel contacted during complaint investigation.
Michelle Morrison
DON
Personnel contacted during complaint investigation.
Inspection Report Plan of CorrectionDeficiencies: 3May 31, 2019
Visit Reason
Unannounced visits were made to Autumn Lake Healthcare At Norwalk to conduct multiple investigations, a licensure renewal inspection, and a certification survey based on information received through May 28, 2019.
Findings
The facility was found noncompliant with Connecticut state regulations in three areas: failure to initiate a care plan related to denture care for a resident, failure to maintain appropriate sanitizing solution concentrations in the kitchen, and failure to report an incident involving a resident with a call bell cord wrapped around their neck. Plans of correction were submitted addressing these issues.
Complaint Details
Complaints #25172 and #24939 triggered the investigations and inspection.
Deficiencies (3)
Description
Failure to initiate a care plan related to denture care and placement after meals for Resident #58.
Failure to ensure kitchen staff maintained sanitizing solution at appropriate concentration levels and lacked competency in sanitizing procedures.
Failure to report an incident involving Resident #175 found with a call bell cord wrapped around their neck to the state agency as required.
Report Facts
Completion date for plan of correction: Jul 10, 2019Number of sampled residents reviewed for denture care deficiency: 3Sanitizing solution concentration: 200Audit frequency for denture care plans: 4Audit frequency for sanitizing solution PPM log: 4Audit frequency for classification of reportable events: 4
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Norma Schuberth
R.N.
Signed the notice letter as Supervising Nurse Consultant.
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation combined with a licensing and certification inspection at Autumn Lake Healthcare At Norwalk during unannounced visits on April 10, 11, 12, 16, and 17, 2018.
Findings
The facility was found noncompliant with several regulations including failure to ensure dignified treatment of a resident, incorrect coding of PASRR assessments, inadequate self-administration medication practices, improper food handling by dietary staff, and failure to maintain appropriate infection control practices during wound care.
Complaint Details
Complaint investigation #22937 was conducted. The complaint involved allegations of mistreatment and failure to follow proper care procedures. The investigation substantiated issues related to resident dignity and care practices.
Deficiencies (5)
Description
Failure to ensure resident was treated in a dignified manner; NA #1 spoke rudely and slammed door when resident requested assistance.
Failure to code the MDS assessment correctly related to PASRR for Resident #111.
Failure to ensure self-medication administration practices were completed in accordance with facility policy and procedure for Resident #118.
Dietary staff handled food without proper hand hygiene and cross contamination prevention.
Failure to maintain appropriate infection control practices during dressing change for Resident #333.
Report Facts
Licensed Bed Capacity: 150Census: 135Inspection Dates: 5Number of OTC medication containers: 10Number of residents reviewed for PASRR: 5Number of residents reviewed for infection control: 2
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Joshua Schechter
Administrator
Named as facility administrator and signer of plan of correction
Michelle Morrison
Director of Nursing Services (DNS)
Contacted personnel and interviewed regarding allegations and findings
Kim Hriceniak
Public Health Services Manager
Signed violation letters and correspondence related to inspection
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