Improper Maintenance of Water Dispenser and Unlabeled Beverages in Resident Snack Refrigerator
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a hallway water dispenser was maintained and sanitized in accordance with professional standards. A public complaint was received alleging that filtered water stations had pink slime and were not replaced or cleaned. During observation, the water dispenser across from the main nurses' station was found with an orangish buildup on the cold-water outlet and a gray to black buildup on the hot-water outlet. An LPN confirmed the buildup on both outlets. The housekeeping manager stated that housekeeping was responsible only for cleaning and sanitizing the outside of the dispenser, not the outlets or the inside. The maintenance director reported there was no cleaning schedule or documentation showing that the water dispenser outlets were regularly cleaned. The administrator stated he expected staff to complete the necessary activities for their job as required. The facility also failed to ensure that drinks stored in a resident snack refrigerator were labeled in accordance with professional standards. During observation, three clear pitchers containing red and yellow liquids were found in the resident snack refrigerator without any labels indicating when they were placed there or when they should be removed. The LPN confirmed the pitchers were not labeled. The dietary manager confirmed that the pitchers of juice in the resident snack refrigerator should have date labels. The administrator again stated he expected staff to complete the necessary activities for their job as required.
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