Inspection Reports for
Desert Terrace Healthcare Center

2509 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States, AZ, 85008

Back to Facility Profile

Deficiencies (last 5 years)

Deficiencies (over 5 years) 6.8 deficiencies/year

Deficiencies are regulatory findings recorded during state inspections.

84% worse than Arizona average
Arizona average: 3.7 deficiencies/year

Deficiencies per year

16 12 8 4 0
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 1 Date: Dec 3, 2025

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to a complaint investigation regarding an incident of resident-to-resident abuse where Resident #2 allegedly hit Resident #1, causing physical injuries.

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation substantiated that Resident #1 was physically abused by Resident #2, resulting in multiple superficial wounds. Resident #2 admitted to hitting Resident #1 due to use of a racial slur. The incident was reported by staff and witnessed by another resident. Resident #2 left the facility AMA on the same day. The facility investigation concluded the incident was isolated and occurred with adequate staff supervision.
Findings
The facility failed to protect Resident #1 from abuse by Resident #2, resulting in actual harm with superficial wounds. The incident was unanticipated and isolated, occurring under adequate staff supervision. Resident #2 left the facility against medical advice the same day.

Deficiencies (1)
Failure to protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Report Facts
Laceration size: 2 Laceration size: 1.4 Laceration size: 0.8 Laceration size: 0.4 Laceration size: 0.8 BIMS score: 13 BIMS score: 15

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Staff #6Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Reported Resident #1 with bloody face and witnessed Resident #2 walking away after hitting Resident #1
Staff #9Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Reported incident to Director of Nursing and Administrator; documented injuries and incident
Staff #23Director of Nursing (DON)Oversaw investigation and stated expectations for abuse reporting and intervention
Staff #20AdministratorReceived report of incident from LPN

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 1 Date: Jan 24, 2025

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to a complaint investigation regarding an incident where one resident (#44) was allegedly abused by another resident (#55) at the facility.

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation found that resident #44 was assaulted by resident #55 on April 24, 2023, on the smoking patio. The assault was witnessed by a certified nursing assistant. Resident #44 had a small reddened area behind the right ear but refused hospital evaluation. Resident #55 had a history of aggressive behavior and was transported to the hospital later due to increased agitation. Staff interviews confirmed expectations for supervision and abuse prevention.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure that resident #44 was protected from abuse by resident #55, resulting in physical and emotional harm. The investigation included documentation of the incident, staff interviews, and review of care plans and medical notes, confirming the occurrence of abuse and inadequate supervision.

Deficiencies (1)
Failure to protect resident #44 from abuse by resident #55, resulting in physical and emotional harm.
Report Facts
Residents Affected: 2 Mental status score: 15 Mental status score: 14 Date of incident: Apr 24, 2023

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/staff #13)Witnessed the assault and described supervision expectations
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/staff #21)Interviewed about recognizing agitation and abuse
Director of Nursing (DON/staff #1)Interviewed about staff expectations for supervision and abuse prevention

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 1 Date: Oct 10, 2024

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to complaints regarding resident-to-resident abuse incidents involving resident #75 and other residents (#20 and #40).

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation found substantiated incidents of resident-to-resident abuse involving resident #75. The facility responded by separating the residents, placing resident #75 on 1 to 1 staff supervision, and petitioning for transfer to a psychiatric facility.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure that residents #20 and #40 were free from abuse by resident #75. Multiple incidents of verbal and physical altercations were documented, and staff interviews confirmed behavioral issues with resident #75 leading to these incidents.

Deficiencies (1)
Failed to protect residents #20 and #40 from abuse by resident #75, including verbal threats and physical contact.
Report Facts
Residents Affected: 2

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Director of NursingDirector of NursingInterviewed regarding incidents involving resident #75 and facility response

Inspection Report

Deficiencies: 2 Date: Jul 3, 2024

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to evaluate compliance with medical record documentation standards, specifically regarding vital signs and blood glucose monitoring for Resident #12.

Findings
The facility failed to ensure accurate documentation of vital signs and blood glucose monitoring for Resident #12, with missing vital signs on evening shifts of June 25 and June 27, 2024, and no blood glucose tests recorded prior to insulin administration on June 25 and June 26, 2024. This deficient practice could result in inaccurate records and potential harm to residents.

Deficiencies (2)
Failure to document vital signs on evening shifts June 25 and June 27, 2024 for Resident #12.
Failure to perform and document blood glucose monitoring prior to insulin administration on June 25 and June 26, 2024 for Resident #12.
Report Facts
Dates of missing vital signs: 2 Dates of insulin administration without blood glucose test: 2

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Staff #1 interviewed regarding missing vital sign documentation on June 28, 2024
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Staff #2 interviewed about CNA responsibilities and blood sugar monitoring policy
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Staff #3 interviewed regarding blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Staff #5 interviewed about facility policy on vital signs documentation
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Staff #4 interviewed about vital signs documentation requirements
Director of Nursing (DON)Staff #6 interviewed regarding expectations for vital signs and blood glucose monitoring

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 1 Date: Jul 3, 2024

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to a complaint investigation regarding the facility's failure to ensure accurate medical record documentation for vital signs and blood glucose monitoring for one resident (#12).

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation found that vital signs were not documented on the evening shifts of June 25 and June 27, 2024, and blood glucose monitoring was not performed prior to insulin administration on June 25 and June 26, 2024, for Resident #12. The deficiency was substantiated with staff interviews and record reviews.
Findings
The facility failed to document vital signs on specified dates and did not record blood glucose results prior to insulin administration for Resident #12, which could lead to inaccurate medical records and potential harm. Interviews with staff confirmed non-compliance with facility policies on vital sign and blood glucose monitoring.

Deficiencies (1)
Failure to ensure medical records were documented accurately for vital signs and blood glucose monitoring for Resident #12.
Report Facts
Dates of missing vital signs documentation: Evening shifts on June 25, 2024 and June 27, 2024 Dates of insulin administration without blood glucose record: June 25, 2024 and June 26, 2024

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Staff #1 interviewed regarding failure to complete vital signs documentation on June 28, 2024.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Staff #2 interviewed about CNA responsibilities for charting vitals and blood glucose monitoring policy.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Staff #3 interviewed regarding blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration standards.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Staff #5 interviewed about facility policy on vital signs documentation timing.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Staff #4 interviewed about vital signs documentation requirements and review of Resident #12's records.
Director of Nursing (DON)Staff #6 interviewed regarding expectations for vital signs and blood glucose monitoring and review of Resident #12's records.

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 1 Date: Jan 16, 2024

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to complaints regarding the timely administration of medications, specifically antibiotics, to residents at the facility.

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation focused on allegations that residents did not receive their antibiotics on time. Interviews with residents and staff confirmed late administration of medications, with explanations including pharmacy delivery delays and medication supply restrictions.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure timely administration of antibiotics to three residents, with multiple doses given outside the allowed one-hour window before or after the scheduled time. Pharmacy supply limitations and medication delivery schedules contributed to delays, but all doses were documented as administered.

Deficiencies (1)
Failure to administer antibiotics within the prescribed time frames for three residents, resulting in late medication administration.
Report Facts
Sample size: 3 Medication doses administered late: 7 Medication doses administered late: 2 Medication doses administered late: 2

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Staff #34Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Interviewed regarding medication administration timing and pharmacy supply issues
Staff #4Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Chart review and confirmation of late medication administration for Resident #7
Staff #78Pharmacist Technician SupervisorInterviewed about pharmacy medication supply and delivery schedules
Staff #7Director of Nursing (DON)Interviewed about medication administration expectations and late antibiotic doses
Staff #20Clinical Resource NurseInterviewed about medication administration discrepancies and planned inservice

Inspection Report

Deficiencies: 1 Date: Oct 20, 2023

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with regulatory requirements related to the qualifications of the activities program director and verification of employee licensure and certification.

Findings
The facility failed to ensure the activities program was directed by a qualified professional as required. The Activities Director did not have the required certification but was enrolled in a professional course. Additionally, the facility policies regarding verification of licenses and employment applications were reviewed.

Deficiencies (1)
Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
staff #33Activities DirectorNamed in deficiency related to lack of required certification for directing activities program

Inspection Report

Routine
Deficiencies: 10 Date: Sep 9, 2022

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with regulatory requirements related to resident care, medication administration, pressure ulcer care, bathing, respiratory care, staffing, and pharmaceutical services.

Findings
The facility was found deficient in multiple areas including failure to ensure informed consent for psychotropic medications, failure to notify physicians of critical vital signs, failure to administer medications as ordered, inconsistent bathing and showering of residents, inadequate pressure ulcer care, lack of appropriate colostomy care, absence of physician orders for oxygen use, inaccurate nurse staffing postings, and failure to ensure timely availability and administration of medications.

Deficiencies (10)
Failure to ensure risks and benefits of psychotropic medication were explained and consent obtained prior to administration for one resident.
Failure to notify physician of low blood pressure and high pulse rate readings for one resident, resulting in delayed treatment and resident death.
Failure to administer medications as ordered, including pain medications and psychotropic drugs, resulting in residents receiving medications outside ordered parameters.
Failure to provide showers or bathing consistently to residents, with missing documentation and failure to follow shower schedules.
Failure to provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and monitoring for two residents, including delayed assessment and treatment.
Failure to provide appropriate colostomy care as ordered, with missed care and lack of documentation.
Failure to have a physician order for oxygen use for one resident who was observed receiving oxygen.
Failure to accurately post nurse staffing information reflecting actual hours worked by licensed and unlicensed nursing staff.
Failure to ensure timely availability and administration of medications, including antibiotics and bowel care medications, resulting in missed doses and lack of physician notification.
Failure to ensure residents received medications as ordered by the physician, including administration of pain medications outside ordered parameters.
Report Facts
Medication missed doses: 2 Staff posting discrepancies: 9 Medication administration outside parameters: 3

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Licensed Practical NurseStaff #88 interviewed regarding psychotropic medication consent and medication administration.
Licensed Practical NurseStaff #35 interviewed regarding psychotropic medication consent, bathing schedules, and medication administration.
Director of NursingStaff #113 interviewed regarding facility policies, medication administration, wound care, staffing, and medication availability.
Certified Nursing AssistantStaff #96 and #93 interviewed regarding bathing schedules and vital signs reporting.
Pharmacy TechnicianStaff #110 and #114 interviewed regarding medication delivery and insurance issues.
Registered NurseStaff #94 interviewed regarding oxygen orders and resident oxygen use.

Inspection Report

Routine
Census: 82 Deficiencies: 8 Date: Apr 8, 2021

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to evaluate compliance with resident rights, medication administration, care planning, treatment, staffing, infection control, and other regulatory requirements in a nursing home.

Findings
The facility was found deficient in multiple areas including failure to ensure residents' rights to privacy and dignity, inadequate assessment for self-administration of medications, lack of baseline care plans for oxygen use, failure to provide ordered treatments such as tubigrip stockings, inadequate urinary catheter care, missing physician orders for oxygen therapy, insufficient nursing staff to meet resident needs, and failure to maintain infection prevention and control standards including improper use of PPE and handling of soiled laundry.

Deficiencies (8)
Failure to ensure residents were treated with respect and dignity by failing to knock before entering rooms and failing to provide privacy when requested.
Failure to assess resident #58 to safely self-administer arthritic ointment.
Failure to develop a baseline care plan for resident #382 regarding oxygen use.
Failure to provide care and services in accordance with physician orders regarding tubigrip stockings for resident #280.
Failure to ensure appropriate urinary catheter care for resident #34, including missing documentation and improper technique.
Failure to have a physician order for oxygen use for resident #382 despite oxygen administration.
Insufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of residents, resulting in delayed response to call lights, late medication administration, and unmet resident needs.
Failure to maintain infection prevention and control standards including improper use of PPE, failure to perform hand hygiene, and improper handling of soiled laundry.
Report Facts
Census: 82 Call light response times: 15 Staff to resident ratio: 14 Registry staff percentage: 50 Registry staff percentage: 25 Oxygen liters: 3.5 Tubigrip stockings application: 0 Missing urinary catheter care documentation: 9

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Staff #40Director of NursingProvided multiple interviews regarding privacy, call light response, staffing, and infection control
Staff #85Certified Nursing AssistantInterviewed regarding privacy, call light response, medication administration, and performed urinary catheter care
Staff #86Licensed Practical NurseInterviewed regarding privacy, call light response, medication administration, and self-administration assessments
Staff #49Assistant Director of NursingInterviewed regarding ointment self-administration and infection prevention
Staff #52Staffing CoordinatorInterviewed regarding staffing schedules and coverage
Staff #64Certified Nursing AssistantObserved and interviewed regarding PPE use and infection control
Staff #45Housekeeping StaffObserved and interviewed regarding handling of soiled laundry and PPE use
Staff #33Registered NurseInterviewed regarding urinary catheter care
Staff #47Licensed Practical NurseInterviewed regarding urinary catheter care and oxygen orders
Staff #76Assistant Director of NursingInterviewed regarding urinary catheter care procedures
Staff #17Housekeeping SupervisorInterviewed regarding laundry procedures and PPE

Inspection Report

Annual Inspection
Census: 82 Deficiencies: 8 Date: Apr 8, 2021

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a comprehensive annual survey to assess compliance with regulatory requirements and resident care standards at Desert Terrace Healthcare Center.

Findings
The facility was found deficient in multiple areas including failure to ensure residents' rights to privacy and dignity, inadequate assessment for self-administration of medications, incomplete care planning for oxygen use, failure to provide ordered treatments such as tubigrip stockings, inadequate urinary catheter care, lack of physician order for oxygen use, insufficient nursing staff to meet resident needs, and failure to maintain infection prevention and control standards including proper use of PPE and handling of soiled laundry.

Deficiencies (8)
Failure to ensure residents' right to privacy and dignity by not knocking before entering rooms and not providing privacy when requested.
Failure to assess resident #58 for safe self-administration of arthritic ointment.
Failure to develop a baseline care plan for resident #382 regarding oxygen use.
Failure to provide care and services in accordance with physician orders regarding tubigrip stockings for resident #280.
Failure to provide appropriate urinary catheter care for resident #34, including missed care and improper technique.
Failure to have a physician order for oxygen use for resident #382.
Insufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of residents, resulting in delayed response to call lights, late medication administration, and unmet resident needs.
Failure to maintain infection prevention and control standards including improper use of PPE, lack of hand hygiene, and improper handling of soiled laundry.
Report Facts
Census: 82 Call light response times: 15 CNA to resident ratio: 14 Oxygen liters: 3.5 Missing urinary catheter care documentation: 9

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Staff #85Certified Nursing AssistantNamed in findings related to call light response and urinary catheter care
Staff #86Licensed Practical NurseNamed in findings related to call light response and medication administration
Staff #40Director of NursingNamed in multiple interviews regarding privacy, call light response, staffing, and infection control
Staff #49Assistant Director of Nursing / Infection PreventionistNamed in interviews regarding self-administration assessment and infection control
Staff #64Certified Nursing AssistantObserved and interviewed regarding PPE use and infection control
Staff #45Housekeeping SupervisorInterviewed regarding laundry handling and infection control
Staff #52Staffing CoordinatorInterviewed regarding staffing plans and coverage

Viewing

Loading inspection reports...