Failure to Maintain Safe Ambient Temperatures for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain ambient room temperatures within the regulatory range of 71-81 degrees Fahrenheit, affecting 116 residents. Observations and interviews revealed that certain resident rooms and common areas, particularly those exposed to direct sunlight, consistently exceeded the maximum allowable temperature, with readings as high as 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Staff reported that the facility's rooftop air conditioning units were old and insufficient, leading to the use of portable air conditioning units and fans. However, these portable units initially caused circuit breakers to trip, requiring adjustments to their placement. Temperature checks were reportedly conducted early in the morning, before outside temperatures rose, and weekly monitoring was performed by the maintenance director. A resident reported having to unplug personal devices to use a portable air conditioner, which would sometimes trip the circuit breaker. Despite the facility's efforts to supplement cooling with portable units and fans, multiple areas remained above the required temperature range during surveyor checks. Review of the facility's temperature monitoring logs for the previous 75 days did not show any recorded temperatures outside the regulatory parameters, despite surveyor findings to the contrary.