Failure to Maintain Safe Temperature Levels Results in Immediate Jeopardy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain safe and comfortable temperature levels for residents, as required by federal and state regulations. During the survey, temperatures in all sampled resident rooms on four resident floors were found to be above the required range of 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, with some rooms reaching as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple complaints were submitted to the State Agency regarding excessive heat throughout the facility, and the facility's own temperature logs documented high temperatures in a significant number of resident rooms. Maintenance logbooks indicated ongoing issues with malfunctioning air conditioning units, requests for fans, and reports of hot rooms over several weeks. Residents and staff were observed and interviewed expressing concerns about the high temperatures and malfunctioning air conditioning units. One resident, who had been in the facility for six years, reported repeated complaints to management and maintenance about inadequate preparation for heatwaves, stating that previous maintenance efforts did not resolve the recurring summer heat issues. Family members of this resident also reported that the resident experienced a severe headache due to the high room temperature and had repeatedly requested fans and reported the issue to various staff members, including the Admissions Director and a Registered Nurse Supervisor. Certified Nurse Aides confirmed that residents had been complaining about non-functioning air conditioners for several days and described their efforts to move residents to cooler areas and monitor their vital signs. Facility staff, including maintenance and administration, acknowledged an increase in complaints and maintenance requests related to air conditioning failures and high temperatures. The Director of Maintenance and the Administrator described efforts to service and repair air conditioning units and address electrical issues, but these actions did not prevent the widespread temperature violations. The deficiency resulted in Immediate Jeopardy to all residents' health and safety, as the facility did not ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment as required by regulations.