Nonfunctional Front Entrance Doorbell and Lack of Entry Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the front entrance doorbell was functional, which had the potential to affect all 77 residents. Observations revealed the doorbell was missing a cover plate and did not ring when the button was pressed. There was also no signage posted with the facility telephone number to obtain assistance for entry. Multiple staff, including the Administrator, DON, and LPNs, were unaware that the doorbell was not working. The Director of Maintenance had not included the doorbell in routine checks and only became aware of the issue about a week prior, but no maintenance work order had been submitted. Staff interviews indicated inconsistent practices regarding locking the front entrance door at night, and there was no policy requiring the door to be locked during specific hours. The job description for the Plant Operations Manager required maintenance of facility equipment, but the doorbell had not been checked or repaired as part of these duties. The deficiency was identified through observation, staff interviews, and review of facility procedures.