Failure to Maintain Clean PTAC Filters and Grills in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and homelike environment by not ensuring that the Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) unit filters and grills were free of debris in specific resident rooms. Observations in two rooms (A9 and A8) revealed gray, fuzzy debris on the PTAC filters, and additional debris was found on the grill in one of these rooms. The facility's policy requires that PTAC filters be inspected and cleaned or replaced at least every three months, and the grill should also be cleaned during this process. However, the observed filters and grill had not been maintained according to this policy. Interviews with the Maintenance Director confirmed that he was solely responsible for the inspection, cleaning, and upkeep of all PTAC units in the facility. He acknowledged the presence of debris on the filters and grill in the affected rooms and stated that proper maintenance was essential for resident comfort, air quality, and infection control. The Administrator also confirmed that filters were to be cleaned monthly and at resident admission or discharge, and noted that unclean filters could compromise air quality, particularly for residents with respiratory issues.