Failure to Maintain Essential Ice Machines Results in Inadequate Ice Supply
Penalty
Summary
Essential equipment for the mechanical preparation of ice was not maintained in a safe operating condition, as evidenced by interviews and observations. The facility had two ice machines intended to serve the nursing units and dietary department, but one was inoperable and the other was not functioning at full capacity, resulting in insufficient ice production. Staff interviews revealed that the malfunctioning ice machines had been an issue since at least May 20, 2025, and that the facility had to order ice from an outside vendor to meet demand. The maintenance director confirmed that one machine was awaiting a repair quote and the other was deemed unrepairable and required replacement. Multiple residents and staff reported that the supply of ice was inadequate, with residents stating that the available ice machine could not keep up with the need for drinking water. Nursing and dietary staff corroborated that ice production was low and that they were resorting to purchasing ice from a nearby convenience store for both residents and staff. Observations confirmed that one ice machine was not functioning and the other was not producing ice at the manufacturer's intended volume.