Failure to Maintain Safe and Comfortable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment by not following its own policies and procedures regarding atmospheric temperature monitoring and control. Observations and interviews revealed that the facility did not consistently monitor and document daily temperatures, particularly on weekends when maintenance staff were not present, resulting in multiple undocumented days. On several occasions, the building's temperature exceeded the required range of 71 to 81°F, with readings as high as 84.3°F in various areas, and staff and residents reported the environment as warm, humid, and uncomfortable. The facility's chiller, which is responsible for cooling, experienced repeated malfunctions, including being shut down for cleaning and tripping due to low water flow and heat sensor issues. During these periods, the temperature in resident rooms and common areas rose above the acceptable threshold, and portable AC units and fans were used in an attempt to mitigate the heat. Despite these efforts, temperatures remained elevated, and the environment was described as hot and humid by both staff and residents. One resident specifically reported opening a window for ventilation due to the heat, and others in activity rooms and halls were exposed to temperatures above 80°F. Facility guidelines required daily temperature and humidity monitoring and immediate implementation of high temperature procedures if the temperature index exceeded 80°F. However, the lack of consistent monitoring, incomplete documentation, and delayed response to equipment failures led to prolonged periods where the environment was not maintained within the required comfort and safety parameters. These failures had the potential to affect all 108 residents in the facility.