Inspection Reports for Bethany Lutheran Home
Seven Elliott Street, IA, 515030297
Back to Facility ProfileInspection Report Summary
The most recent inspection on October 2, 2025 identified deficiencies in several areas including care planning, nursing staff sufficiency, medication management, infection control, and accident prevention. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of similar issues with care planning, medication administration, staffing levels, and resident dignity, with multiple substantiated complaints and some immediate jeopardy findings in prior years. Notable enforcement actions included removal of immediate jeopardy in late 2023 and fines were not listed in the available reports. Most complaint investigations were substantiated, often involving inadequate supervision, failure to follow physician orders, and dignity concerns. The facility’s inspection history shows ongoing challenges with care coordination and staffing, with no clear improvement trend in recent inspections.
Deficiencies (last 6 years)
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
Deficiencies per year
Census
Based on a October 2025 inspection.
Census over time
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Failure to complete a significant change assessment within 14 days after determining a significant change in a resident's condition. | Level D |
| Failure to coordinate PASARR assessments and reviews for residents with serious mental illness or related conditions. | Level D |
| Failure to develop and implement comprehensive care plans that meet regulatory requirements and professional standards. | Level D |
| Failure to provide services that meet professional standards of quality, including medication administration and nebulizer treatments. | Level D |
| Failure to ensure the resident environment remains free of accident hazards and provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents and elopement. | Level J |
| Failure to have sufficient nursing staff with appropriate competencies and skills to assure resident safety and care. | Level E |
| Failure to ensure residents are free of significant medication errors. | Level D |
| Failure to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program including appropriate use of PPE and hand hygiene. | Level F |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff F | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Named in findings related to medication administration and nebulizer treatments. |
| Staff C | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Interviewed regarding care plans and medication administration. |
| Staff P | Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) | Interviewed and observed assisting residents with care. |
| Staff D | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Involved in medication errors and administration. |
| Staff E | Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Involved in medication errors and administration. |
| Staff G | Wound Care Nurse | Observed providing wound care and hygiene. |
| Staff J | Nurse | Observed performing catheter care and hygiene. |
| Director of Nursing (DON) | Director of Nursing | Interviewed regarding medication administration and facility policies. |
| Administrator | Facility Administrator | Interviewed regarding policies and procedures. |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Failure to implement morphine orders for Resident #2 after 30-day review, causing withdrawal symptoms and ER visit. | SS=G |
| Failure to transfer Resident #3 safely, resulting in injury to the resident's toe due to improper use of mechanical lift and inadequate staff assistance. | SS=D |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff H | Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | Noted morphine order was not written on 3/20/2025 and later ordered dose to start same day after discovering omission. |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | ADON | Acknowledged failure to write morphine order and lack of nurse continuity; explained corrective actions. |
| Director of Nursing | DON | Explained the morphine order issue and acknowledged Resident #2 experienced opioid withdrawal. |
| Staff A | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Assisted Resident #3 with mechanical lift alone despite care plan requiring two staff; used outdated care sheet. |
| Staff B | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Assisted Resident #3 with mechanical lift on 5/29/2025. |
| Staff C | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Assisted Resident #3 with mechanical lift on 5/29/2025. |
| Staff D | Certified Medication Aide | Assisted Resident #3 with mechanical lift on 5/29/2025. |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Facility failed to treat Resident #3 with dignity during medication administration. | SS=D |
| Facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving Resident #3 within 2 hours of the allegation. | SS=D |
| Facility failed to review and revise care plans for residents with significant changes (Residents #5 and #6). | SS=D |
| Facility failed to provide services in accordance with professional standards for Resident #3. | SS=D |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff E | Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Named in medication administration and refusal incidents involving Resident #3 |
| Staff F | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Involved in incidents with Resident #3 including throwing Stanley cups and assisting with care |
| Staff B | Involved in incidents with Resident #3 and care plan discussions | |
| Staff C | Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Administered medications and involved in refusal incidents with Resident #3 |
| Administrator | Administrator | Signed initial comments and stated investigation conclusions |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing (DON) | Interviewed regarding medication administration and care plan issues |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) | Interviewed regarding medication refusal and care plan issues |
| Description |
|---|
| Failure to assess one resident for self-administration of medications and lack of physician's order for self-administration. |
| Failure to implement a tracking and handling system to prevent loss of residents' laundered clothing. |
| Failure to provide choice in shower frequency for one resident. |
| Failure to ensure one resident received quarterly statements of personal funds. |
| Failure to provide proper written notice for transfer or discharge for three residents. |
| Failure to ensure accuracy of resident assessments for two residents. |
| Failure to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for residents, including timely completion and addressing specific needs. |
| Failure to maintain infection preventionist training and ensure infection prevention and control measures for all residents. |
| Failure to assess risks and benefits and obtain consent for use of bed rails for multiple residents. |
| Failure to provide proper respiratory care and maintain equipment for residents requiring oxygen and CPAP/Bi-PAP therapy. |
| Failure to properly manage psychotropic medication administration and documentation. |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Failure to notify the Long-Term Care Ombudsman of a resident transfer to hospital. | SS=D |
| Failure to provide notice of bed hold policy and offer bed hold to resident or representative. | SS=D |
| Failure to coordinate PASARR Level II referrals for residents with newly evident serious mental disorders. | SS=D |
| Failure to provide sufficient nursing staff to respond to call lights in a timely manner. | SS=E |
| Failure to provide RN coverage for at least 8 consecutive hours a day, 7 days a week. | SS=E |
| Failure to provide appropriate treatment and services for dementia care. | SS=D |
| Failure to prepare, serve, and distribute food in accordance with professional food safety standards. | SS=E |
| Failure to implement infection prevention and control practices including medication administration, catheter care, and wound care. | SS=D |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff I | Registered Nurse | Observed pouring medications into bare hands during medication administration. |
| Staff J | Certified Nursing Assistant | Observed performing catheter care without proper hand hygiene and gown use. |
| Staff E | Licensed Practical Nurse | Observed performing wound care without proper hand hygiene and gown use. |
| Staff H | Cook | Observed improper glove use and hand hygiene during food preparation. |
| Director of Nursing | Interviewed regarding multiple deficiencies including PASARR, medication administration, infection control, and call light response. | |
| Administrator | Acknowledged staffing shortages and lack of RN coverage on specific dates. | |
| Staff Coordinator | Reported RN walkout and staffing issues. | |
| Staff D | Certified Nursing Assistant | Reported call light response times often exceeded 15 minutes. |
| Staff A | Registered Nurse | Reported call light response delays when short staffed. |
| Staff B | Certified Nursing Assistant | Reported inability to answer call lights timely when short staffed. |
| Staff C | Certified Nursing Assistant | Reported rushing care and inability to answer call lights timely when short staffed. |
| Staff F | Certified Nursing Assistant | Reported call lights run longer when residents have behaviors. |
| Staff G | Certified Nursing Assistant | Reported call lights run longer when residents repeatedly activate call lights. |
| Dining Services Manager | Interviewed regarding food handling and glove use deficiencies. |
| Description |
|---|
| Failure to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan consistent with resident needs, including measurable objectives and timeframes. |
| Failure to ensure the resident environment remains free of accident hazards and provide adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents. |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff A | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Assisted Resident #1 with repositioning and involved in fall incident |
| Staff B | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Assisted Resident #1 with repositioning and stated preference not to hurt resident |
| Staff C | Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Assisted Resident #1 with positioning and commented on staffing |
| Staff D | Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Assisted Resident #1 with repositioning and commented on resident weight and staffing |
| Director of Nursing (DON) | Director of Nursing | Provided statements regarding care plan and staffing during fall incident |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Failure to treat residents #2, #5, #6, #7, and #8 with dignity and respect during transfers to and from showers, including exposing residents inappropriately. | SS=E |
| Failure to provide adequate supervision and assistance during mechanical lift transfers for residents #5 and #6, including use of lifts by single staff member contrary to policy. | SS=D |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff A | Agency Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in dignity and respect deficiency for exposing Resident #2 and Resident #7 during shower transfers. |
| Staff E | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in mechanical lift transfer deficiency for transferring Resident #5 alone and improper handling causing resident distress. |
| Staff C | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in mechanical lift transfer deficiency for transferring Resident #5 alone and causing injury to resident's hands. |
| Director of Nursing | Administrator | Interviewed residents and staff, confirmed deficiencies and corrective actions. |
| Description |
|---|
| Failed to provide professional standard of quality by not following physician orders for medication administration for 1 of 5 residents reviewed. |
| Failed to ensure a resident received treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice, including failure to complete assessment and intervene with a significant change in condition. |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff A | Nurse | Named in failure to assess and intervene after medication administration and failure to respond to resident's wife concerns |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Provided statements on facility expectations and re-education of staff |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | Assistant Director of Nursing | Participated in re-education of nursing staff |
| Staff D | Aide | Witnessed resident condition and interactions with Staff A and resident's wife |
| Physician Assistant | Physician Assistant | Provided clinical assessment at clinic and described resident's unresponsiveness and Narcan administration |
| Staff F | Van Driver | Transported resident to clinic and observed resident's confused state |
| Police Detective | Police Detective | Interviewed resident's wife and staff regarding incident |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Failed to provide privacy during personal cares to 1 of 3 residents reviewed (Resident #10). | Level 3 |
| Failed to ensure grievances were reported and followed through for 1 of 1 residents reviewed (Resident #195). | Level 3 |
| Failed to obtain a bed hold within 24 hours of hospitalization for 3 of 5 residents reviewed (Residents #1, #52, #65). | Level 3 |
| Failed to implement comprehensive care plans related to pain, infection, and transfers for 3 of 18 residents reviewed (Residents #23, #52, #72). | Level 3 |
| Failed to adhere to professional standards for assessing and diagnosing a resident with a new antipsychotic medication order (Resident #39). | Level 3 |
| Failed to provide proper positioning in a wheelchair of appropriate size for 1 of 1 resident reviewed (Resident #53). | Level 3 |
| Failed to provide necessary treatment to prevent developing avoidable pressure ulcers for 1 of 2 residents reviewed (Resident #25). | Level 3 |
| Failed to prevent unsupervised falls and failed to provide transfers with appropriate number of staff for 3 of 3 residents reviewed (Residents #1, #9, #72). | Level 3 |
| Failed to ensure a resident was not catheterized unless clinically necessary, failed to provide appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections, and failed to provide incontinence care for 2 of 2 residents reviewed (Residents #76, #10). | Level 3 |
| Failed to provide respiratory care by sending a resident to an appointment without oxygen when oxygen was required (Resident #192). | Level 3 |
| Failed to provide dialysis services consistent with professional standards by not completing a post dialysis assessment (Resident #84). | Level 3 |
| Failed to answer call lights in a timely manner for 4 of 18 residents reviewed (Residents #50, #72, #10, #195). | Level 3 |
| Failed to ensure residents were free of significant medication errors including improper nebulizer medication administration for 3 of 3 residents reviewed (Residents #10, #62, #191). | Level 3 |
| Failed to perform hand hygiene during toileting and/or incontinence care for 2 of 8 residents reviewed (Residents #72, #10). | Level 3 |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff O | Certified Nurse Aide | Named in privacy during personal care finding and incontinence care observation |
| Staff P | Certified Nurse Aide | Named in privacy during personal care finding and incontinence care observation |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Named in multiple findings including privacy, grievance, bed hold, care planning, medication administration, hand hygiene, and call light response |
| Staff T | Named in grievance finding | |
| Staff U | Housekeeping and Laundry Supervisor | Named in grievance finding |
| Staff V | Social Worker | Named in grievance finding |
| Staff F | Registered Nurse | Named in respiratory care and medication administration findings |
| Staff DD | Named in dialysis care finding | |
| Staff G | Registered Nurse | Named in medication administration finding |
| Staff EE | Named in medication administration finding | |
| Staff Z | Registered Nurse | Named in respiratory care finding |
| Staff A | Named in medication administration finding | |
| Staff Y | Named in incontinence care observation | |
| Staff X | Named in incontinence care observation | |
| Staff C | Certified Nurse Assistant | Named in incontinence care observation |
| Staff H | Certified Nurse Assistant | Named in call light response finding |
| Staff I | Licensed Practical Nurse | Named in call light response finding |
| Staff J | Director of Nursing | Named in fall prevention and call light response findings |
| Staff L | Certified Nurse Aide | Named in fall prevention and accident prevention findings |
| Staff M | Certified Nurse Aide | Named in accident prevention finding |
| Staff N | Certified Nurse Aide | Named in accident prevention finding |
| Staff Q | Certified Nurse Aide | Named in accident prevention finding |
| Staff R | Named in accident prevention finding | |
| Staff CC | Named in oxygen storage finding |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Failure to treat residents with dignity and respect, including interference with residents' rights and retaliation by staff. | SS=D |
| Failure to develop and implement abuse/neglect policies and procedures, including investigation and reporting of abuse allegations. | SS=D |
| Failure to investigate and prevent alleged abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment thoroughly. | SS=D |
| Failure to provide adequate oral care for residents. | SS=D |
| Failure to provide quality care, including incomplete assessments during COVID-19 and failure to complete resident assessments. | SS=D |
| Failure to provide adequate care to prevent and treat pressure ulcers, including failure to assess and document wounds properly. | SS=D |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff A | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Named in findings related to resident abuse and retaliation. |
| Staff G | Social Worker | Provided statements regarding resident abuse allegations. |
| Director of Nursing (DON) | Director of Nursing | Spoke with residents and staff regarding abuse allegations and facility compliance. |
| Staff C | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Witness and involved in abuse investigation. |
| Staff D | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Witness and involved in abuse investigation. |
| Staff E | Kitchen Worker/Dietary Aide | Witness and involved in abuse investigation. |
| Staff B | Registered Nurse (RN) | Witness and involved in abuse investigation. |
| Staff N | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Provided statements regarding resident care and skin assessments. |
| Staff M | Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Provided statements regarding oral care and resident treatment. |
| Staff L | Nurse | Performed skin assessments and provided wound care. |
| Staff F | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Performed wound assessment and care. |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Failure to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan including measurable objectives and timeframes. | — |
| Failure to obtain vital signs daily in accordance with the resident's care plan for 1 of 3 residents reviewed (Resident #1). | — |
| Failure to complete pre and post dialysis assessments as required for 1 of 3 residents reviewed (Resident #1). | — |
| Failure to ensure residents were free of significant medication errors for 1 of 4 residents reviewed (Resident #2), including failure to administer medications as ordered and failure to obtain required lab tests. | Immediate Jeopardy (removed) |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Named in relation to findings on dialysis assessments and medication administration |
| Description |
|---|
| Facility failed to ensure staff followed physician orders related to medications for 4 of 5 residents reviewed. |
| Facility failed to provide resident-centered care and services, including bathing opportunities for 2 of 3 residents reviewed. |
| Facility failed to provide timely assessments for 4 of 5 residents reviewed. |
| Facility failed to ensure sufficient nursing staff with appropriate competencies and skills. |
| Facility failed to provide quality care related to skin integrity and wound care. |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing (DON) | Stated facility does not have residents who can self-administer medications and discussed medication administration processes. |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) | Discussed bathing expectations and documentation. |
| Description |
|---|
| Quality of care failure related to resident #7's fall and injury, including inadequate assessment and improper handling by staff. |
| Insufficient nursing staff to answer call lights timely, with documented delays up to 32 minutes. |
| Infection prevention and control deficiencies including improper mask wearing and failure to follow infection control procedures for resident #3. |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff C | Unit Manager | Documented findings related to resident #7's fall and injury, and infection control observations |
| Staff H | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Documented resident #7's fall incident and handling |
| Staff J | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Involved in resident #7's fall incident and handling |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Interviewed regarding staff expectations and call light response |
| Description |
|---|
| Failure to determine whether residents had an advanced directive for six of seven residents reviewed. |
| Failure to complete correct Medicaid/Medicare coverage notices for residents. |
| Failure to develop a comprehensive care plan for one resident regarding side rails. |
| Failure to assess and obtain physician orders and consents for bed rail use for one resident. |
| Failure to designate a certified infection preventionist responsible for the infection control program. |
| Failure to conduct regular inspections of all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails to identify areas of possible entrapment. |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tracey Gabehart | Administrator | Signed the plan of correction |
| Melissa Jack | Infection Preventionist | Named as the infection preventionist with certification planned by 7/5/2022 |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Facility failed to follow physician orders for 2 of 3 residents reviewed, including failure to administer Ensure Enlive supplement and sitz baths as ordered. | SS=D |
| Facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to ensure call lights were answered timely and residents received eating assistance for 3 of 4 residents reviewed. | SS=D |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff B | Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) | Reported working alone responsible for up to 32 residents and insufficient staffing to assist Resident #1 with meals. |
| Staff D | Agency CNA | Failed to respond appropriately to Resident #2's call light and was told not to return to the facility. |
| Staff E | Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) | Assisted Resident #2 on commode and reported other staff's failure to communicate resident status. |
| Staff C | Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) | Reported call lights could be on for 30 to 45 minutes due to insufficient staffing. |
| Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) | Confirmed failure to provide sitz baths, acknowledged insufficient staffing, and described ongoing investigations and corrective actions. | |
| Staffing Coordinator | Reported insufficient staffing and challenges scheduling agency staff. |
| Description |
|---|
| Failure to provide adequate bathing opportunities for residents #4 and #5, with missing documentation and refusals. |
| Failure to ensure a safe environment during transport of residents #7 and #10 in wheelchairs without foot pedals. |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff F | Certified Nursing Assistant | Reported on bathing documentation and acknowledged foot pedal application |
| Staff A | Certified Nursing Assistant | Reported on bathing frequency and challenges |
| Staff B | Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant | Observed assisting resident to shower room without foot pedals |
| Staff G | Hospice Registered Nurse | Assisted resident to shower room without foot pedals |
| Staff C | Licensed Practical Nurse | Found foot pedals and attempted to attach to wheelchair |
| Staff H | Conducted wheelchair pedal audits and education | |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Provided bathing spreadsheet and education, acknowledged documentation issues |
| Administrator | Administrator | Reported ongoing staff documentation issues and audit completion |
| Description |
|---|
| Failure to provide incontinence care and transfer assistance in a kind and considerate manner for multiple residents. |
| Failure to provide dignity bags for urinary drainage bags as required. |
| Failure to provide adequate bathing opportunities for residents. |
| Failure to prevent accidents and ensure adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent hazards. |
| Failure to adequately monitor and prevent wandering and elopement risks. |
| Failure to provide respectful and dignified care, including rough handling and verbal mistreatment of residents. |
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Failure of facility staff to wear appropriate PPE while cleaning resident rooms on the Skyline Yellow unit. | SS=D |
| Description |
|---|
| Failed to update advanced directive status for residents #51 and #102, with discrepancies between electronic health records, door magnets, and signed directives. |
| Failed to notify physician and resident representative of significant changes for residents #100 and #115. |
| Failed to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment; resident #73's wheelchair was dirty and in need of cleaning. |
| Failed to obtain a record check evaluation from the Department of Human Services for Staff I prior to hire. |
| Failed to notify the Ombudsman of resident #106's discharge from the facility following hospitalization. |
| Failed to complete accurate and timely comprehensive and significant change assessments for residents #15, #44, and #100. |
| Failed to accurately document medications with diagnoses on MDS for residents #3, #34, #92, and #100. |
| Failed to initiate antibiotic therapy timely for resident #62 after hospital readmission. |
| Failed to provide necessary treatment and services to promote healing and prevent infection of pressure ulcers for resident #115. |
| Failed to provide adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent accidents for residents #3, #70, and #93; wheelchairs lacked foot pedals or were improperly used. |
| Failed to assure appropriate infection control practices for residents #15, #42, #109, and #111, including improper handling of medications and gloves. |
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff I | Employee with missing DHS record check prior to hire | |
| Staff G | Registered Nurse | Named in infection control deficiency related to medication handling |
| Staff D | Licensed Practical Nurse / MDS Coordinator | Named in MDS documentation deficiencies |
| Staff F | Social Worker | Named in complaint investigation and Ombudsman notification deficiency |
| Staff N | Registered Nurse | Named in pressure ulcer treatment deficiency |
| Staff A | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in infection control deficiency related to catheter care |
| Staff B | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in infection control deficiency related to catheter care |
| Staff C | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in wheelchair safety deficiency |
| Staff M | Licensed Practical Nurse | Named in wheelchair safety deficiency |
| Staff O | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in pressure ulcer care deficiency |
| Staff S | Certified Medication Aide | Named in pressure ulcer care deficiency |
| Staff T | Registered Nurse Wound Nurse | Named in pressure ulcer care deficiency |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Named in multiple deficiencies including advanced directives, infection control, and pressure ulcer care |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | Assistant Director of Nursing | Named in multiple deficiencies including advanced directives, infection control, and pressure ulcer care |
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