Failure to Maintain Comfortable Temperature Levels
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain comfortable air temperature levels for 22 out of 25 residents, as required by federal regulations. The deficiency was identified during a survey, which included a review of facility policies, observations, and staff interviews. The facility's policy on providing a homelike environment mandates maintaining temperatures between 71°F and 81°F. However, the boiler, which is essential for heating, malfunctioned on April 5th, and was not repaired until April 8th, leading to temperatures in resident areas falling below the required range. Interviews with maintenance staff revealed inconsistencies in the timeline of the boiler malfunction and the monitoring of temperatures. Maintenance Employee El stated the boiler stopped functioning on April 5th, while Maintenance Employee E2 believed it was on April 6th. Despite noticing low temperatures, Maintenance Employee E2 did not take immediate corrective action. Residents reported feeling cold over the weekend, with some resorting to wearing additional clothing for warmth. Temperature logs provided by the facility showed that on April 7th, 16 out of 18 monitored areas had temperatures below 71°F, with some as low as 57°F. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the failure to maintain comfortable temperatures and was not informed of the boiler issue until April 6th. This deficiency highlights a lapse in communication and timely response to maintenance issues, impacting the residents' comfort and safety.
Plan Of Correction
The boiler was repaired by Gasco on 4/7/25. R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21, and R22 were assessed by the DON on 4/14/25 with no negative findings. The Maintenance department will be educated by the NHA on the facility policy for Homelike Environment and immediately reporting concerns regarding temperatures to the NHA by 4/25/25. All residents have the potential to be affected. The Director of Operations performed random temperature checks on 4/8/25 throughout resident units to ensure temperatures were within appropriate range. No concerns identified. The NHA/Designee will perform 5 random temperature checks per week x 4 weeks on resident care units to ensure temperatures are within appropriate range. Observation and audit findings will be reviewed at the facility's monthly quality assurance meeting.