Failure to Maintain Clean and Homelike Resident Environment Due to Dirty Air Conditioning Unit
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a dirty air conditioning unit was observed in one of the resident rooms. The unit had a damp, black substance scattered on the plastic slats of the front panel, as well as scattered food particles and dried crumbs on the lower part of the thermostat section. These findings were confirmed during multiple observations on different days. The facility's policy on routine cleaning and disinfection requires maintaining a safe and sanitary environment to prevent infection, but this policy was not followed in this instance. Interviews with an LPN, the DON, and the Maintenance Director confirmed the presence of the black substance, which was identified as mildew, and the food debris on the air conditioning unit. Staff acknowledged that the condition of the unit could cause respiratory issues for the resident if not addressed and that the unit needed to be cleaned. The Maintenance Director stated that air conditioning units are typically cleaned three times a year and as needed, but confirmed that the unit in question had been left dirty.