Failure to Enforce Smoking Policy and Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently implement its smoking policy regarding the proper disposal of smoking materials. During a supervised smoking session, four residents participated, and four cigarette disposal containers were present. After the session, multiple cigarette butts were observed scattered on the concrete smoking patio, near the door, next to a disposal container, and along the remainder of the patio near the building. Additionally, over 50 cigarette butts were found on the pathways of the courtyard and in gravel flower beds next to the building, which contained green leafy plants and dried leaves. Staff interviews revealed uncertainty about why cigarette butts were scattered in these areas and inconsistent understanding of where residents were permitted to smoke, particularly regarding supervision and family visits. The Receptionist clarified that residents are not allowed to smoke with family in the courtyard unless on a leave of absence, and that visitors would not smoke in the courtyard due to video surveillance, although only the smoking patio was visible on the cameras. Housekeeping staff reported cleaning the patio daily and typically not finding many cigarette butts, but on this occasion, a significant number were present. The Administrator confirmed that the smoking patio should be cleaned daily and was unable to explain the presence of cigarette butts on the patio and in the gravel beds. Facility policy requires that smoking materials be extinguished safely, but observations indicated this was not consistently enforced.