Failure to Maintain Water Management Program and Routine Flushing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an active and ongoing plan for reducing the risk of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens in its plumbing system. During a facility tour, surveyors observed multiple instances of discolored water and lack of regular flushing in various areas, including soiled utility rooms, spa rooms, janitor sinks, and the laundry room. In several locations, water from fixtures was brown or black before running clear, and some fixtures had not been flushed for extended periods, as evidenced by evaporated water in a commode basin and dust accumulation on unused shower equipment. Maintenance staff confirmed that flushing was not routinely performed in these areas, with a focus only on vacant rooms. Further interviews with maintenance and facility directors revealed that the facility's water management practices were insufficient. Annual testing for free chlorine was only conducted on cold water samples, with no testing performed on the hot water systems that service residents. Additionally, a review of the facility's own risk assessment document indicated that regular flushing of low-flow pipe runs and infrequently used fixtures was required, but this was not being implemented. No specific residents or staff were identified as directly affected in the report.
Plan Of Correction
ELEMENT 1 ACTION TAKEN: The facility will conduct a review of the plan to reduce the risk of legionella and other opportunistic pathogens of premise plumbing. An audit will be completed by 5/26/2025 of hot and cold water fixtures regardless of room vacancy. Fixtures that have not been flushed will be at that time, including the one in the soiled utility room near the salon. The hopper and the mop sinks hot and cold water fixtures in the soiled utility room near room 40 will be flushed by 5/26/2025. The shower in the corner of the spa room will be deep cleaned by 5/26/2025 and repairs will be made to rectify the flow of water to ensure flushing of the fixture can be completed. A repair will be made by 5/26/2025 to apply the cold handle to the sink in the janitors closet, and once repaired the faucet will be flushed. The hot water faucet on the same sink will be flushed. A repair to the handle of the hot water line in the laundry room will be made by 5/26/2025, and once repaired the faucet will be flushed. The facility will complete a free chlorine test of hot water by 5/26/2025, any abnormal results will be rectified. ELEMENT 2 IDENTIFICATION OF OTHER RESIDENTS: All residents residing in the facility have the potential to be affected. All residents will be reviewed for waterborne illness. The health care practitioner will be notified of any residents identified to have signs or symptoms for further medical assessment and treatment. ELEMENT #3 MEASURES TAKEN: Members of the Water Management Committee, to include the Administrator, Director of Health Care Services, Infection Prevention, Environmental Services and Maintenance staff will be reeducated by or prior to 5/26/2025 to the next day work in the case of a leave of absence or vacationing employee related to water management plan and services to reduce the risk Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens of premise plumbing, and water quality measures and disinfectant residual practices. ELEMENT #4 MONITORING: The Nursing Home Administrator and or designee will conduct an audit through observation of Environmental Services and or Maintenance staff flushing faucets throughout the facility, regardless of room vacancy 3-5 times a week for four weeks and periodically thereafter. The water management plan will be reviewed under the direction of the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee, the Administrator, or designee(s), will audit as adherence to the policy and procedure to prevent Legionnaires Disease potential sources weekly for four (4) weeks. A summary report of the findings will be provided to the QAPI Program/Committee for review. The Administrator will assume responsibility for attained and sustained compliance.