The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services conducted an unannounced investigation at the facility prior to issuing the citation, after local citizens reported they saw a man in a wheelchair with an oxygen tank smoking near a busy road on June 5.
The facility took immediate action upon receiving the citation to avoid losing CMS funding. Its “immediate jeopardy” status was removed on June 7.
Big Sky became a non-smoking facility in May 2018, when CMS issued the facility’s first “immediate jeopardy” citation for a patient who caught fire and suffered from second-degree burns while smoking with an oxygen tank. The patient died weeks later.
Big Sky has had 21 complaints resulting in a citation over the past three years, and it is listed as a candidate for a federal program intended to improve facilities with poor care.
Big Sky did not respond to Becker’s request for comment.
More articles on post-acute care:
California nursing homes must consult patient or rep for psychiatric drugs, end-of-life care
New York cites nursing home for violations after resident death
Patients at high risk in transition from hospital to long-term care, study finds
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
