Failure to Maintain Safe and Comfortable Room Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for residents on Hall D, as required by resident rights regulations. Multiple rooms (404, 405, 406, and 407) were observed to have temperatures exceeding 81 degrees Fahrenheit, with some readings as high as 88 degrees. These elevated temperatures persisted for several days, as documented in maintenance logs and confirmed by direct observation. The HVAC system began experiencing cooling issues, and the chillers required replacement, resulting in inadequate cooling for the affected rooms. Residents and staff reported discomfort due to the heat. One resident stated his room had been hot for 6-8 days and did not have a fan, although he did not request one. Another resident reported the air conditioning had been out for several days and had requested and received fans, but still felt hot and preferred to remain minimally clothed. Staff interviews confirmed that residents and staff were aware of the heat issue, with some staff and residents sweating and expressing discomfort. Staff attempted to mitigate the situation by offering water, ice, and the option to move to cooler areas, but some residents declined to leave their rooms or have their doors opened for privacy reasons. Maintenance logs and staff interviews indicated that portable cooling units and fans were distributed, but not all residents received fans, and the cooling provided was insufficient to maintain comfortable temperatures. The facility's own policy required proper temperature and ventilation to create a homelike environment, but this standard was not met during the period in question. No incidents were reported to the state agency, and no residents were hospitalized as a result of the heat, but the deficiency was clearly documented through observations, interviews, and record reviews.