Failure to Maintain Safe Water Temperatures for Resident Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain safe water temperatures at or below 110 degrees Fahrenheit at hand sinks and a shower room used by several residents. During observations, the Maintenance Supervisor measured water temperatures ranging from 111.3 to 115 degrees at the hand sinks in the rooms of three residents and in the shower room between two halls. These temperatures exceeded the facility's stated standard for water temperature, which was documented as 100 to 110 degrees in the water temperature logs. The Maintenance Supervisor acknowledged that water temperatures had been fluctuating and that a plumber had provided an estimate for a new mixing valve, but the issue persisted at the time of the survey. The residents involved had varying degrees of cognitive function and required substantial or maximal assistance for bathing and personal hygiene. None of the residents reported having been burned or experiencing discomfort from the water temperature, and no burns or pressure wounds were documented in their medical records. Staff interviewed were aware of the need to monitor water temperatures to prevent burns and stated they routinely checked water temperatures when assisting residents with grooming or showering. Despite these precautions, the facility did not have a written policy regarding water temperature, and the Administrator relied on external resources for guidance. Water temperature logs from earlier in the month showed compliance, but logs from the days of the survey indicated temperatures above the acceptable range. The lack of a consistent and documented approach to monitoring and maintaining safe water temperatures led to the deficiency, as residents were exposed to water temperatures above the recommended maximum.