Unsafe Water Temperatures in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, homelike environment by not ensuring that the water temperature in a resident's room remained within safe limits. During interviews and observations, a resident reported that the sink water became very hot. Subsequent temperature checks of the sink water in the resident's room revealed readings of 122, 123, and 124 degrees Fahrenheit, all above the facility's stated maximum of 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Both the DON and assistant maintenance director confirmed that water temperatures should not exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The State Operations Manual notes that water at these temperatures can cause third-degree burns within minutes. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, resident interview, and verification of temperature readings by both the surveyor and facility staff.