Failure to Maintain Safe Food Storage Temperatures in Medication Room Refrigerators
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food stored in resident food refrigerators located in medication rooms was maintained at safe temperatures in accordance with professional standards and facility policy. Surveyor observations over multiple days revealed that the food refrigerator on the 2nd floor rehabilitation unit consistently registered temperatures above the facility's required range of 35 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with thermometer readings between 42 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature log for this refrigerator also documented multiple instances throughout the month where temperatures exceeded the policy limit, and there were several days where no temperature was logged at all. Interviews with staff, including a registered nurse, the culinary services manager, and the nursing home administrator, revealed inconsistent knowledge regarding the correct temperature range for food storage. The temperature log used by the facility did not clearly differentiate between the required temperature ranges for medication and food refrigerators, leading to confusion among staff. The log itself listed a range of 36 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which did not align with the facility's food and nutrition policy specifying 35 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit for food storage. Despite repeated elevated temperature readings and incomplete documentation, there was no evidence that maintenance was notified or that corrective action was taken during the period in question. The food refrigerator contained items such as Glucerna, Ensure, applesauce, pudding, and juices, all of which require proper refrigeration. The lack of consistent monitoring, documentation, and timely response to out-of-range temperatures resulted in the facility not meeting food safety requirements for storage.