Failure to Ensure Competency in Thermometer Calibration in Dietary Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a dietary staff member was competent in performing thermometer calibration according to the facility's policy and procedure, affecting 55 of 58 residents who received food from the kitchen. During an observation, the dietary staff member was seen calibrating a thermometer by placing it in a cup of ice water with the stem touching the bottom of the cup, contrary to the facility's policy, which specifies that the stem should not touch the bottom or sides and must remain in the ice water for one minute. The staff member was unable to recall the last in-service training and initially stated it was acceptable for the stem to touch the bottom, later acknowledging this was incorrect and could result in inaccurate temperature readings. Interviews with the Dietary Service Manager and Registered Dietician confirmed that the staff member's method did not comply with the facility's policy and could have led to inaccurate food temperature readings. Both indicated that improper calibration could result in food being served at incorrect temperatures. The Dietary Service Manager and Registered Dietician both stated that the staff member was not competent in this procedure, and the facility's policy was not followed during the calibration process.