Resident Rooms Below Minimum Square Footage Requirement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the required minimum square footage per resident in 20 out of 40 resident rooms, as mandated by federal regulations. Specifically, the rooms in question were designed for three residents each but measured less than the required 240 square feet, with individual room sizes ranging from approximately 201 to 236 square feet. This deficiency was identified through a review of facility records, including a waiver request letter submitted by the Administrator, which acknowledged the shortfall in room sizes. The federal regulation requires at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple occupancy rooms, and the rooms listed did not meet this standard. During observations conducted over several days, residents were seen to have sufficient space to move about, and there was adequate room for necessary furniture and care equipment. Additionally, during a resident council meeting, several residents expressed that their room sizes were adequate. Despite these observations and resident statements, the facility's failure to meet the minimum square footage requirement constitutes a deficiency as per federal standards.