Resident Rooms Below Minimum Square Footage Requirements
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that 13 out of 21 resident rooms met the required minimum square footage of 80 square feet per resident in multiple occupancy rooms. Observations confirmed that rooms 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 did not meet this requirement, with two-bed rooms ranging from 137.61 to 142.50 square feet (below the 160 square feet minimum for two residents) and four-bed rooms ranging from 283.40 to 294.70 square feet (below the 320 square feet minimum for four residents). Despite these measurements, staff and residents reported that there was sufficient space for mobility, care provision, and necessary furnishings and equipment. A review of the facility's room waiver request indicated that the facility believed the current room sizes were adequate for resident needs and did not adversely affect health and safety. Interviews with nursing staff, including a CNA and an LVN, confirmed that they had enough space to provide safe and proper care in the affected rooms. Residents interviewed from these rooms did not express concerns about room size. The Department indicated it would recommend the room waiver for the identified rooms as requested by the facility.