Failure to Report and Repair Leaking AC Units Compromises Resident Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment by not repairing or reporting leaking air-conditioning (AC) units in two resident rooms. Observations revealed that sheets and blankets were placed on the floor under the AC units in both rooms to absorb leaking water. These conditions persisted over multiple days, as confirmed by follow-up observations. Staff interviews verified that the sheets and blankets were used because the AC units were leaking, but the issue was not reported to maintenance in a timely manner. The leaking AC unit in one room was not logged onto the Maintenance Requisition form until after the state agency had entered the facility. Further interviews with maintenance staff confirmed that they had not been notified of the leaking AC units prior to the survey, and they were unaware of how long the units had been leaking. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the practice of placing sheets and blankets under the leaking AC units without notifying maintenance could result in an unsanitary environment and diminished comfort for residents. Facility policy required that residents be provided with a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, which was not upheld in this instance.