Ice Machines Not Maintained in Sanitary Condition
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to maintain three ice machines in sanitary working condition, as required by federal regulations. During observations with the Maintenance Director, residues of various colors (brown, yellow, gray, black, and red) were found on critical internal components of the ice machines, including the evaporator, water curtain, ice chute, and ice storage bin deflector. Additionally, stained metal screws were observed in the ice storage bin. These findings were verified by the Maintenance Director during the inspection. Further review revealed that the facility did not follow manufacturer specifications for cleaning one of the ice machines. The manufacturer’s instructions required the use of a specific scale remover (Scotsman Clear 1), but the vendor responsible for cleaning the machines used a generic cleaner (Nucalgon nickel safe ice machine cleaner) instead, citing cost and practicality as reasons. The vendor admitted to not using the appropriate cleaner for each brand of ice machine. At the time of the survey, 145 residents were receiving oral diets and were potentially affected by the condition of the ice machines.
Plan Of Correction
1. The corrective action(s) accomplished for the residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice: 145 residents were affected by this deficient practice. On 7/15/25, all three ice machines were immediately taken out of service by the maintenance director and designee; certified vendor inspected, served, and thoroughly sanitized the ice machines following the manufacturer's specific cleaning and scale removal instructions. On 7/16/25, Dietary Supervisor and designee contacted certified vendor to initiate replacement of identified non-compliant ice machines, and vendor confirmed delivery and installation of new ice machines on 8/1/25. 2. How the facility will identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective action will be taken. All residents have the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. On 8/1/2025, Administrator and Maintenance Director checked all ice-handling processes and related equipment. All ice machine equipment was cleaned and sanitized. The ice machine inside the kitchen was replaced on 8/1/2025. No other noncompliance was found. On 8/1/2025, Ice machine technician in-serviced maintenance department on how to clean and sanitize the ice machine, making sure deep cleaning was done including compartments not easily visible using approved chemical for cleaning ice machine. 3. Measures that will be put into place or systematic change the facility will make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur: Administrator or designee will oversee this process and compliance. Maintenance will do monthly deep cleaning and sanitation of ice machine. The dietary supervisor and designee will do daily ice machine cleaning and inspection, with records kept. Vendor will perform quarterly service and cleaning to ensure cleanliness and compliance with equipment and sanitation protocols. Administrator or designee will check the ice machine weekly and randomly for 3 months to make sure cleaning and sanitation compliance is being followed. 4. Facility plans to monitor the effectiveness of the corrective actions and sustain compliance: Integrate QA Process: The Administrator or designee will be responsible for ensuring the monitoring process remains in place to confirm compliance. Any findings and noncompliance will be immediately corrected and presented to the monthly Safety Committee meetings and the Quality Assurance (QA&A) committee meetings. The Plan of Correction was presented at the QA&A meeting on 8/14/25. Ongoing findings from audits will be reported to the QAPI/QAA monthly meetings for 3 months. 5. Corrective action completion date: 8/1/2025. --- 1. The corrective action(s) accomplished for the residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice: Residents 35, 36, 49, 51, 85, 122, 146, and 153 were affected by this deficient practice. On 7/23/2025, Maintenance Director re-assessed all residents 35, 36, 49, 52, 85, 122, 146, and 153 for entrapment to make sure measurement of zone 7 reflected on the form being used. On 7/23/2025, Administrator provided 1:1 in-serviced to Maintenance Director for facility policy and procedure for measuring entrapment and using the form that reflects zone 7 to show if it passes or fails.