Inspection Reports for
Trinitas Hospital

655 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ, 07206

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Deficiencies (last 6 years)

Deficiencies (over 6 years) 4 deficiencies/year

Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.

23% better than New Jersey average
New Jersey average: 5.2 deficiencies/year

Deficiencies per year

12 9 6 3 0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

Census

Latest occupancy rate 75% occupied

Based on a January 2025 inspection.

Occupancy over time

60 80 100 120 140 Feb 2021 Aug 2021 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Jan 2025

Notice

Deficiencies: 0 Date: Nov 20, 2025

Visit Reason
This document serves as a Notice of Privacy Practices informing individuals about how their medical information may be used and disclosed by NJDHSS and their rights related to this information.

Findings
The notice explains the types of information covered, reasons for use and disclosure of health information, individuals' rights to access and control their information, and NJDHSS's legal duties and responsibilities regarding privacy.

Report Facts
Effective date: 2011

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Devon L. GrafDirector, NJDHSS Privacy OfficerContact person for privacy practices and rights

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 93 Capacity: 124 Deficiencies: 9 Date: Jan 16, 2025

Visit Reason
A Recertification Survey was conducted from 01/12/2025 to 01/16/2025 to determine compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities, triggered by Complaint #NJ180911.

Complaint Details
Complaint #NJ180911 triggered the survey conducted from 01/12/2025 to 01/16/2025. The complaint involved issues such as privacy violations, call system accessibility, staffing shortages, and environmental concerns. The complaint was substantiated with multiple deficiencies cited.
Findings
Deficiencies were cited related to resident rights including failure to provide privacy, reasonable accommodations, staffing shortages, safe environment, infection control, and care planning. Immediate actions and systemic changes were implemented to address these issues.

Deficiencies (9)
Facility failed to provide privacy for a resident during care; bedroom and bathroom doors were not closed.
Facility failed to keep the call device system within reach for a resident requiring accommodation.
Facility failed to maintain the most recent State of New Jersey inspection results in a place accessible to residents, families, and the public.
Facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment; water stains and damaged fixtures were observed.
Facility failed to complete and transmit a Minimum Data Set death in facility tracking record for a resident.
Facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan for a resident.
Facility failed to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program.
Facility failed to ensure fire drills were conducted at least quarterly per shift in accordance with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
Facility failed to ensure hand hygiene was performed correctly by staff during resident care.
Report Facts
Census: 93 Total Capacity: 124 Sample Size: 23 Staffing Deficiencies: 5 Residents Affected: 1 Residents Affected: 1 Residents Affected: 1 Residents Affected: 1 Residents Affected: 30

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
LPN #1Licensed Practical NurseNamed in privacy and infection control deficiencies.
RN #1Registered NurseNamed in infection control and privacy deficiencies.
CNA #1Certified Nursing AssistantNamed in infection control deficiency.
Director of NursingResponsible for oversight of corrective actions and monitoring compliance.
AdministratorResponsible for oversight of corrective actions and monitoring compliance.
Staffing CoordinatorProvided staffing audit information.
Surveyor #1State SurveyorConducted observations and interviews during the survey.
Surveyor #2State SurveyorConducted observations and interviews during the survey.
Surveyor #3State SurveyorConducted observations and interviews during the survey.

Inspection Report

Abbreviated Survey
Census: 87 Deficiencies: 0 Date: Jan 26, 2024

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations and preparedness for COVID-19.

Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.80 infection control regulations and has implemented CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.

Report Facts
Sample Size: 5

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 88 Capacity: 124 Deficiencies: 4 Date: Sep 1, 2023

Visit Reason
A Recertification Survey was conducted to determine compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities, triggered by complaints NJ00166073, NJ00166001, NJ00164909.

Complaint Details
The visit was complaint-related based on complaints NJ00166073, NJ00166001, and NJ00164909. The deficiencies cited were substantiated by observations, interviews, and record reviews during the survey.
Findings
Deficiencies were cited related to failure to timely transmit Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for 13 residents, inaccurate coding of MDS assessments for one resident, failure to maintain required minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios, and lack of emergency lighting at the emergency generator transfer switch.

Deficiencies (4)
Failure to transmit Minimum Data Set (MDS) - Annual and Quarterly Reporting Assessments within required federal timeframes for 13 residents.
Failure to accurately code resident's Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment related to falls for one resident.
Failure to maintain required minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios as mandated by the State of New Jersey.
Failure to provide emergency lighting at the emergency generator transfer switch in accordance with NFPA 110 standards.
Report Facts
Residents reviewed for MDS assessment: 18 Residents with deficient MDS transmission: 13 Residents with inaccurate MDS coding: 1 Current census: 88 Total licensed capacity: 124 Deficient CNA staffing day shifts: 4 Certified Nurse Aides required on 08/06/23: 10 Certified Nurse Aides present on 08/06/23: 8 Certified Nurse Aides required on 08/14/23: 11 Certified Nurse Aides present on 08/14/23: 9 Certified Nurse Aides required on 08/15/23: 11 Certified Nurse Aides present on 08/15/23: 10 Certified Nurse Aides required on 08/19/23: 11 Certified Nurse Aides present on 08/19/23: 10 Occupied beds: 88

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Registered Nurse (RN) MDS CoordinatorResponsible for completing and transmitting MDS assessments; acknowledged late transmissions and missed coding
Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA)Informed of deficient practices and discussed concerns with surveyor
Director of Nursing (DON)Involved in audit and re-education of MDS coordinator; responsible for oversight of MDS assessments and staffing
Maintenance DirectorConfirmed lack of emergency lighting at emergency generator transfer switch; oversaw corrective action
Maintenance SupervisorRe-educated on preventative maintenance program; responsible for monthly emergency light testing

Inspection Report

Follow-Up
Census: 76 Deficiencies: 1 Date: Dec 13, 2022

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations related to COVID-19 reporting and notification requirements.

Findings
The facility was found not in compliance with 42 CFR 483.80 infection control regulations, specifically failing to notify resident representatives by 5 PM the next calendar day following a single confirmed COVID-19 infection. This deficiency was identified for 3 of 3 sampled residents. A follow-up revisit on 1/12/2023 confirmed that corrective actions were completed.

Deficiencies (1)
Failure to ensure resident representatives were notified by 5 PM the next calendar day following the occurrence of a single confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Report Facts
Census: 76 Sample size: 8 Deficiency correction completion date: Jan 12, 2023

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Assistant Director of NursingADONProvided documentation and information about family notifications
Licensed Nursing Home AdministratorLNHAInterviewed regarding notification responsibilities and facility policy
Social WorkerResponsible for notifying resident representatives or families
Director of RecreationDRResponsible for notifying resident representatives or families
AdministratorContacted families of affected residents and responsible for auditing notifications
Director of NursingDONIn-serviced nursing staff and interdisciplinary team on timely notification

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 77 Deficiencies: 2 Date: Sep 12, 2022

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted based on complaint NJ00157843 to investigate medication storage and administration practices at Trinitas Hospital.

Complaint Details
Complaint NJ00157843 was substantiated. The facility was found not in substantial compliance with requirements based on the complaint visit. An Immediate Jeopardy situation was identified due to unlocked medication carts accessed by a resident, resulting in an overdose and hospital admission.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure medications were stored securely and inaccessible to high-risk residents, resulting in a resident accessing unlocked medication and an overdose incident. The facility was not in substantial compliance with long term care requirements and had an Immediate Jeopardy situation due to staff leaving medication carts unlocked.

Deficiencies (2)
Failure to ensure medications were stored, secured, and inaccessible to high-risk residents with wandering behaviors.
Failure to follow policies on administering medications, medication storage, and general medication administration guidelines.
Report Facts
Sample Size: 3 Residents on floor: 19 Monitoring frequency: 0.5 Suspension duration: 3 Completion date: Sep 30, 2022

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
RN #1Registered NurseNamed in medication error finding for leaving medication cart unlocked
LPN #1Licensed Practical NurseNamed in medication error finding for leaving medication cart unlocked and resigned after incident

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 81 Deficiencies: 3 Date: Jun 16, 2022

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health based on complaints NJ00155311 and NJ00155477. The visit was to investigate compliance with infection control and other regulatory requirements for long term care facilities.

Complaint Details
Complaint numbers NJ00155311 and NJ00155477 triggered the visit. The facility was found not in substantial compliance based on these complaints.
Findings
The facility was found not in substantial compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B, based on complaint findings. Deficiencies included failure to honor resident meal preferences for 2 of 8 residents, failure to maintain required minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios for multiple days, and failure to ensure residents received at least one bath or shower per week for 2 of 3 residents reviewed.

Deficiencies (3)
Failure to honor resident meal preferences for 2 of 8 residents, including serving pork despite documented 'No Pork' preference.
Failure to maintain required minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios as mandated by the state for 11 of 14 day shifts.
Failure to ensure residents received at least one bath or shower per week unless contraindicated, identified for 2 of 3 residents reviewed.
Report Facts
Census: 81 Sample Size: 8 Deficient CNA staffing days: 11 Required CNA staffing: 10 Actual CNA staffing: 7 Residents reviewed for shower: 3 Residents with deficient shower: 2

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Director of NursingDirector of NursingInterviewed regarding staffing ratios and shower policy; involved in corrective actions.
Registered Nurse #1Registered NurseInterviewed regarding meal service and shower schedules.
Certified Nursing Assistant #1Certified Nursing AssistantInterviewed regarding meal service and resident food preferences.
Certified Nursing Assistant #2Certified Nursing AssistantInterviewed regarding shower schedules and resident care.
Certified Nursing Assistant #3Certified Nursing AssistantInterviewed regarding resident shower refusals and care.

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 84 Deficiencies: 0 Date: Aug 25, 2021

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation based on complaint number NJ142519.

Complaint Details
Complaint number NJ142519 was investigated and the facility was found to be in substantial compliance.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance with the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B, for long term care facilities based on this complaint visit.

Report Facts
Sample size: 3

Inspection Report

Annual Inspection
Census: 88 Deficiencies: 2 Date: Jun 30, 2021

Visit Reason
A Recertification Survey was conducted to determine compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities.

Findings
The facility failed to properly handle and store potentially hazardous foods to prevent food borne illnesses and failed to maintain equipment and kitchen areas to prevent microbial growth and cross contamination. Multiple instances of unlabeled, expired, unsealed, or improperly stored food items were observed, and the meat slicer was found with debris and inadequate cleaning records.

Deficiencies (2)
Failure to properly handle and store potentially hazardous foods to prevent food borne illnesses.
Failure to maintain equipment and kitchen areas to prevent microbial growth and cross contamination.
Report Facts
Census: 88 Sample Size: 21 Expiration Dates: 3 Cleaning Frequency: 1 Labeling Timeframes: 3

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Food Service DirectorPresent during kitchen tour and responsible for food labeling and handling
Executive ChefPresent during kitchen tour and responsible for food labeling and handling

Inspection Report

Abbreviated Survey
Census: 92 Deficiencies: 2 Date: Feb 8, 2021

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations related to COVID-19.

Findings
The facility was found not in compliance with infection control regulations, specifically failing to practice appropriate hand hygiene for 1 of 5 staff and improperly placing housekeeping carts inside resident rooms on 4 units, contrary to CDC guidelines to mitigate COVID-19 spread.

Deficiencies (2)
Failure to practice appropriate hand hygiene for 1 of 5 staff.
Failure to appropriately place housekeeping carts when cleaning resident rooms on 4 units.
Report Facts
Census: 92 Sample size: 9

Inspection Report

Deficiencies: 1 Date: Nov 18, 2020

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with infection control requirements, specifically adherence to Executive Directive No. 20-026 issued by the New Jersey Commissioner in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on whether the facility had a qualified Infection Control Preventionist.

Findings
The facility failed to hire a qualified Infection Control Preventionist as required by the Executive Directive. The hospital's Infection Preventionist worked full time at the hospital and only part time (approximately 10 hours per week) for the long-term care facility, with no contract evidence provided. This was deemed a deficiency in infection control compliance.

Deficiencies (1)
Failure to hire a qualified Infection Control Preventionist for the facility as required by Executive Directive No. 20-026.
Report Facts
Hours Infection Preventionist worked part time: 10 Contract effective period: 365 Follow-up monitoring frequency: 5 Follow-up monitoring frequency: 2

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Director of Nursing (DON)Identified hospital's Director of Infection Control as Infection Preventionist; provided information about IP work hours
Infection Preventionist (IP)Confirmed responsibility for long-term care facility infection control but works full time in hospital
AdministratorProvided information about facility's use of hospital IP and lack of contract

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