Environmental Deficiencies in Facility's Common Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe and functional environment for residents, staff, and the public, as observed during a recertification survey. Several deficiencies were noted in various areas of the facility, including the Lobby area, hallways, and nursing stations. Specifically, the bathroom near the Main Dining Room had holes in the wall, a rusty call bell panel, and broken molding. Additionally, cable wires at one nurse station were covered in dirt and dust, while the second-floor nurse station had torn vinyl armrests on chairs and a desk with broken Formica paneling. Further observations revealed that the third-floor nurse station had peeling wallpaper, a desk with rough edges, and a malfunctioning bottom drawer. The staff bathroom in this area also had a leaking faucet. The 1 North Nursing station was noted to have dusty areas and unpainted ceiling patches. The facility's policy emphasizes providing a clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, but the administrator acknowledged the environmental concerns and stated that corrective actions were not yet documented or implemented.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved January 2, 2025 Immediate Correction 1) As of 12/31/24, the facility repaired the holes in the wall of the bathroom near the Main Dining Room, repainted as needed and replaced the rusty call bell panel and broken molding. 2) As of 12/31/24, the West unit nurse station was thoroughly cleaned specifically all cable wires to remove accumulated dirt and dust. 3) As of 12/31/24, On the 2nd Floor nursing station, Maintenance/Housekeeping department replaced the two black swivel chairs with torn vinyl armrests and repaired the desk with broken and rough-edged Formica paneling. 4) As of 12/31/24, On the 3rd floor nursing station, Maintenance/Housekeeping department replaced the peeling and torn wallpaper underneath the desk area, repaired the desk with rough bottom edges and broken Formica panels, repaired the bottom desk drawer to ensure proper closure and fixed the leaking and loose faucet in the staff bathroom. 5) As of 12/31/24, On the North unit nursing station, the Maintenance/Housekeeping department cleaned the dusty areas thoroughly and patch/painted the unpainted ceiling areas. 6) The above Immediate repairs and replacements were documented in the maintenance log and overseen by the Maintenance Director to ensure timely completion. Identification of Others 1) The Director of Maintenance and Housekeeping will conduct a facility-wide environmental audit to identify other areas that may not meet the standards of a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment. 2) Include all common areas, resident rooms, nursing stations, and staff areas in the audit. 3) Document all findings and create a prioritized corrective action plan for each identified issue. Systemic Changes 1) Review and revision of the facility's Environmental Policy to include: - Detailed cleaning schedules for all areas, including nursing stations and common spaces. - Timelines for routine inspections of furniture, fixtures, and equipment to ensure functionality and safety. - Clear procedures for promptly addressing and documenting maintenance requests. 2) Provide in-service training to Housekeepers, Maintenance Workers, RN's, LPN's and CNA's on the importance of maintaining a safe, clean, and homelike environment. 3) Emphasize protocols for reporting environmental concerns promptly to the Maintenance Director through in servicing and education. 4) Establish an annual budget and timeline for replacing worn or damaged furniture and equipment. 5) Maintain a vendor proposal log and receipts to ensure accountability for all purchases and replacements. Quality Assurance 1) The Maintenance Director or designee will develop and conduct a weekly environmental rounds audit tool focusing on areas cited in the deficiency and other high-traffic locations. 2) Conduct monthly audit of common areas, resident rooms, and nursing stations to ensure ongoing compliance. 3) Solicit feedback from residents, families, and staff through surveys and suggestion boxes to identify additional environmental concerns or improvements. 4) Audits will be completed by the Maintenance and Housekeeping weekly x 4 weeks; monthly x 3 months; and quarterly for x 1 year. Any negative findings will be addressed immediately. 5) Findings will be brought to the QAPI quarterly meeting for tracking of facility compliance. Person Responsible for this Ftag: 1) The Administrator.