Failure to Monitor Warming Cabinet Temperature
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that patient care equipment was properly monitored and maintained in a safe operating condition, as evidenced by one of three warming cabinets being observed with a temperature reading of 148 degrees, which exceeds the manufacturer's recommended maximum of 140 degrees. The Accucold PureTherm Warming Cabinet user manual specifically warns that the appliance should not exceed 140 degrees to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury. During an interview, the DON confirmed that the warming cabinet should not have been used at this temperature, in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. This deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and review of the user manual, and it was noted that the failure to monitor and maintain the equipment could place residents at risk for adverse outcomes.