Failure to Repair Broken Over-Bed Table Creates Unsafe Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide maintenance services necessary for a safe, comfortable, and homelike environment for one resident. Over a period of several days, the molding on the resident's over-bed (cardiac) table was observed to be broken and hanging downwards, with the resident reporting that it had been in this condition for more than two weeks and that multiple requests for repair had been made to nursing staff without resolution. The broken molding remained unrepaired despite repeated observations and resident complaints. A registered nurse acknowledged that the broken table could cause the resident to scrape his skin. The Maintenance Director stated he was unaware of the issue, had not been informed by staff, and did not maintain a log of work orders, relying instead on informal communication methods such as calls or texts. Facility policy indicated that the maintenance department is responsible for keeping equipment safe and operable.