Failure to Maintain Safe and Comfortable Hallway Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain hallway temperatures below 81 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in excessively high temperatures in multiple hallways across all floors, with recorded temperatures ranging from 84.1 to 89.1 degrees Fahrenheit. While resident rooms were maintained at acceptable temperatures, the hallways remained uncomfortably hot due to a malfunction in the hallway air conditioning system. The issue was identified when staff and residents reported discomfort, and temperature checks confirmed the elevated temperatures in the hallways. A resident with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, morbid obesity, and hemiplegia reported that while their room was comfortable, the hallways were uncomfortably hot, and staff advised residents to remain in their rooms or other cooler areas. Staff interviews corroborated that the hallways were too hot, particularly on the third floor, and that efforts were being made to keep residents hydrated and comfortable with water, ice, and popsicles. The maintenance director confirmed that the hallway air conditioning system had been malfunctioning for approximately two weeks, with repeated but unsuccessful repair attempts, and that portable air conditioning units brought in as a temporary measure were not sufficient to cool the hallways. Facility records and policies indicate that the expectation is for a safe, comfortable, and homelike environment, with regular environmental audits to ensure pleasant temperatures. Despite these policies, the failure to maintain adequate hallway temperatures created an environment that was not comfortable for residents, staff, or the public, potentially affecting all 202 residents in the facility.