Failure to Maintain Essential Equipment in Safe Operating Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain essential equipment in safe operating condition, specifically in the main kitchen and laundry room. Observations revealed that the main kitchen's six-well steam table was only partially operational, with only three of the six steam wells functioning. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and Dietary Cook confirmed that two steam wells were already broken when they were hired, and a third well had recently become non-functional. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that an outside vendor had assessed the steam table in October 2024, identified necessary parts for repair, and provided an invoice to the administration, but the repairs had not been completed. Additionally, the facility's laundry room was found to have only one operational dryer, as the other was not working. This was confirmed by the Laundry Assistant and the Director of Maintenance. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the facility's failure to ensure that equipment was maintained in a safe operating condition, as required by the Code of Federal Regulations §483.90(d)(2).
Plan Of Correction
1. Residents or staff did not experience any adverse effects from 3 out of 6 steam wells in the steam table and one dryer being down. 2. NHA/designee to educate Plant Operations Manager and Dietary Manager on the need to maintain essential equipment. 3. Maintenance Director/designee will gather quotes for equipment in question in order for repairs to be made. Facility will move forward with approved repair based on vendor/part availability. 4. Plant Operations Manager/designee to audit these two pieces of equipment for function 3x/week for 2 weeks, 1x/week for 2 weeks, and monthly x3 months thereafter. Results to be submitted to QAPI for review and approval.