Failure to Implement Smoking Policy and Maintain Safe Smoking Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its resident smoking policy in the designated outside smoking area. During an observation with the Administrator, approximately 75 to 100 cigarette butts were found scattered on the ground, with additional cigarette butts mixed in piles of leaves. Six cigarette receptacles made of combustible plastic were present, each about 75% or more full, and a seventh receptacle, a plastic bucket, was over 90% full. In total, three to four hundred cigarette butts were observed in the area, both on the ground and in receptacles. The facility had identified twenty residents who actively smoked. Review of the facility's policy indicated that ashtrays made of noncombustible material and safe design were required, but this was not followed as combustible plastic containers were used.