Facility Fails to Maintain Safe Operating Condition of Kitchen Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain essential kitchen equipment in safe operating condition, as observed during a survey. The dishwashing machine was not registering a temperature during the first rinse cycle and was leaking water onto the floor. Additionally, a steam kettle was leaking water, which was being caught by a plastic bucket placed underneath it. These issues were observed during a kitchen inspection. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and the Nursing Home Administrator revealed that several pieces of kitchen equipment had been malfunctioning for extended periods. The dishwasher had been leaking and not functioning to full capacity since September 2024. The steam kettle required a new seal since June 2024, and an upright cooler had been out of service since May 2024. The garbage disposal was not in use due to a loud noise, and one oven was unusable since March 2024 because of a broken door pin. The second oven had a broken on/off switch but was still in use. One pressure cooker had been out of service since August 2024, and the second pressure cooker was irreparable since September 2024. Despite these issues, alternate cooking equipment was used, and there were no adverse effects on meal service.
Plan Of Correction
Preparation and submission of this Plan of Correction (POC) is required by state and federal law. This POC does not constitute an admission for purposes of general liability, professional malpractice or any other court proceeding. No residents had any adverse reactions. To prevent a future occurrence, the Administrator/designee will work with Maintenance staff on the processing repair orders to assure kitchen equipment repairs are fixed timely. Work orders have been initiated for the equipment listed in deficiency. To monitor and maintain ongoing compliance, the Maintenance Director/designee will complete an audit weekly x4 and then monthly x2 to ensure kitchen equipment parts have been ordered, then internally fixed or vendor has fixed the equipment. Results of audits will be forwarded to facility's Quality Assurance and Process Improvement committee for review upon completion for review and recommendations.