Hillcrest Health Care Center in Hawarden, IA was fined $25,450 by CMS across 2 separate penalties following 55 deficiency citations identified during federal surveys.

Hillcrest Health Care Center (Hawarden, IA) — $25,450 in CMS Fines

Outcome: Hillcrest Health Care Center in Hawarden, IA was fined $25,450 by CMS across 2 separate penalties following 55 deficiency citations identified during federal surveys.

Deficiency areas cited:

• Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.


• Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.


• Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.


• Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.


• Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.


• Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.


• Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.


• Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.