Uncovered Designated Smoking Area Fails to Meet Facility Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe and protected designated smoking area for residents who smoke, as required by its own policy. The designated smoking area was not covered or protected from weather events and was located adjacent to the facility parking lot and circle driveway. Review of the facility's policy indicated that safety measures for the designated smoking area should include protection from weather, such as a covered area. Resident Council meeting minutes from several months documented that residents were repeatedly reminded to use the designated smoking area. During a group meeting with several residents, it was reported that smoking residents often chose to smoke under the entrance overhang instead of the designated area because the designated area was uncovered and farther away. One resident who uses a wheelchair stated they could not go out to smoke when it was raining. Other residents confirmed that smoking often occurred in front of the entrance rather than in the designated area. The Nursing Home Administrator, who started working at the facility recently, was unaware of the requirement for weather protection in the smoking area and could not provide further information about why the area was not covered.