Failure to Maintain Safe Hallway Temperatures Due to Air Conditioning Malfunction
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that essential equipment, specifically the chillers and air conditioning units serving the hallways, were maintained in proper working order. On the date of the survey, temperature checks revealed that while resident rooms were within an acceptable range (76.2°F to 80.0°F), the hallways on all floors were significantly above the recommended maximum, with temperatures ranging from 84.1°F to 89.1°F. Staff interviews confirmed that the air conditioning system for the hallways had been malfunctioning for approximately two weeks, with ongoing issues causing the units to lock out and overheat. Despite multiple visits from HVAC technicians and the use of portable air conditioning units, the hallways remained uncomfortably hot and did not reach adequate cooling levels. Residents and staff reported discomfort due to the high temperatures in the hallways. One resident, who is cognitively intact and has medical diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, morbid obesity, and hemiplegia, stated that the temperature outside their room was uncomfortable and that staff advised residents to stay in their rooms or other cooler areas. Staff confirmed that the hallways were too hot, particularly on the third floor, and that they were providing residents with cold water, ice, and popsicles to help manage the heat. Facility records and interviews indicated that the air conditioning system for the resident rooms was repaired, but the separate system for the hallways continued to malfunction. Maintenance staff described the building as old and noted that repairs to one unit often led to issues with another. The facility's preventative maintenance policy requires regular environmental tours and safety audits to ensure a pleasant temperature, and the resident rights policy emphasizes a safe, comfortable, and homelike environment. However, the persistent failure to maintain adequate hallway temperatures affected all 202 residents in the facility.