F0801

E

Inadequate Training and Competency of Dietary Staff in Dish Machine Operation

Tulsa, Oklahoma Survey Completed on 01-28-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s failure to ensure dietary staff were properly qualified and competent to operate the dishwashing equipment and carry out food and nutrition services. The DON reported that 81 residents received nutrition from the kitchen, and the DM reported there were 11 dietary staff members. During observation, two dietary aides were seen operating a low-temperature dish machine when one aide stopped the machine mid-wash cycle and walked away. One aide stated they determined the water was not hot enough by observing suds in the side tank and would wait and then try running the dishwasher again, rather than using the temperature gauge or test strips.

The same aide reported working at the facility for about a month and stated they had been trained by another staff member but had not been instructed on checking the dish machine temperature or using test strips, despite using the machine several times a day. The other aide stated they checked the temperature gauge to ensure it was between two green lines and knew there were strips to check the machine but did not know where they were kept and did not usually worry about testing or documentation, instead relying on the presence of suds to judge water temperature. The DM later stated they were unable to locate quarterly training documents, 90-day nutrition services training, or annual competencies for dietary staff, and although they reported reviewing dish machine temperature and sanitation strip procedures during orientation, they acknowledged staff were not following or understanding the required testing process or frequency.