SOUTHWESTERN NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER in PITTSBURGH, PA was fined $60,520 by CMS following 60 deficiency citations identified during federal surveys.

SOUTHWESTERN NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER (PITTSBURGH, PA) — $60,520 in CMS Fines

Outcome: SOUTHWESTERN NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER in PITTSBURGH, PA was fined $60,520 by CMS following 60 deficiency citations identified during federal surveys.

Deficiency areas cited:

• Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.


• Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition


• Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.


• Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.


• 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.


• Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.


• Provide a neutral and fair arbitration process and agree to arbitrator and venue.


• Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.