Non-Functional Sink and Dispenser Issues
Penalty
Summary
Laurel Square Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center was found to be non-compliant with the requirement to maintain essential equipment in safe operating condition. During an abbreviated survey, it was observed that the sink in room 213 on the second-floor nursing unit was missing fixtures, preventing residents from accessing water for handwashing. Resident R5 reported that the sink had been non-functional for at least five days, requiring her to walk to the other end of the hall to wash her hands and perform morning hygiene. Resident R8 also confirmed the inconvenience of having to use the central bath for basic hygiene needs. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that the sink had been out of service since November 28, 2024, due to wall patching delays, and the Director of Nursing agreed that the situation was inappropriate for residents and staff. Additionally, the survey revealed that the ice and water dispenser on the second floor was not operational, failing to dispense ice or water. Employee E9, a nurse aide, noted that the dispenser had been out of service for at least a week and had previously dispensed cloudy water. The Administrator confirmed that the dispenser had been non-functional for several days and that a new filter was awaited. These deficiencies indicate a failure to maintain essential equipment in a safe and working condition, impacting the residents' and staff's ability to perform necessary hygiene and hydration tasks.
Plan Of Correction
1. No actual harm occurred. 2. The maintenance director/designee will audit room sinks and ice machines on each floor once per week for 4 weeks to confirm equipment is in proper working condition. 3. Staff will be reeducated on using the facility's maintenance care program to submit findings of any defective equipment promptly and consistently. 4. Any/all negative findings during the audits will be presented and discussed during QAPI. 5. Corrective actions will be completed by 12/18/24. UPDATE: 12/23/24 - Ice machine was repaired and is currently in proper working condition. In addition, the room sink audits will be completed for all rooms for 4 weeks.