Failure to Maintain Safe Temperatures and Monitor Residents for Hypothermia
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the failure of the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and the Director of Nursing (DON) to ensure that comfortable air temperature levels, defined as between 71–81 degrees Fahrenheit, were maintained throughout the facility for all residents. Job descriptions for both the NHA and DON specified responsibilities that included leading and directing facility operations in accordance with federal and state regulations, performing rounds to observe residents and ensure their needs were met, and fulfilling responsibilities during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan. Despite these defined duties, the facility did not provide air temperatures within the required range for any of the 82 residents. In addition to the temperature issue, the NHA and DON failed to ensure that all residents were monitored and assessed for hypothermia, which is described in the report as a life-threatening medical emergency occurring when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This lack of monitoring and assessment applied to all 82 residents in the facility. Based on review of job descriptions, clinical records, observations, and staff interviews, surveyors determined that these failures constituted noncompliance with federal and state guidelines and regulations and created an Immediate Jeopardy situation affecting all residents. During an interview, the NHA was informed of these failures and the resulting Immediate Jeopardy determination.
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