Resident Room Size Below Federal Minimum Requirements
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the required minimum square footage per resident in multiple resident bedrooms, as mandated by federal regulations. Specifically, 38 rooms did not meet the standard of at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple occupancy rooms or 100 square feet for single occupancy rooms. Record review showed that several two-bed rooms measured only 154 square feet (77 square feet per resident), and several three-bed rooms measured 220 square feet (73 square feet per resident). The facility had submitted a waiver request acknowledging these deficiencies, stating that the rooms were used for higher acuity residents and asserting that the arrangement did not adversely affect resident health or safety. Observations conducted over several days indicated that residents had sufficient space to move freely within their rooms, and there was adequate space for beds, side tables, and care equipment. Staff interviews during the survey revealed no concerns regarding room size. However, the documented measurements confirmed that the rooms did not meet the federal minimum space requirements, resulting in a deficiency related to inadequate living and working space for residents and caregivers.