Failure to Implement Policy for Outside Food Brought by Visitors
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its policy regarding the safe and sanitary storage, handling, and consumption of foods brought in by family and visitors for residents. The policy required that when food needed to be heated, staff should use a food thermometer and alcohol wipes to ensure proper heating, and that staff should be educated on required food temperatures and the use of thermometers. However, a letter from the Administrator to residents, staff, and family members stated that staff would no longer heat up food items for residents, including frozen foods, hot dogs, and microwave popcorn, and that only a small number of food items could be stored for residents due to limited space. In interviews, the Administrator and DON confirmed that residents were not allowed to have food heated up and cited concerns about staff being able to safely heat food and the burden it placed on staff. These actions were not in accordance with the facility's written policy.