Failure to Maintain Dishwasher in Working Order
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the dishwasher in working order, resulting in prolonged periods when it was non-operational or not functioning correctly. During a kitchen observation with the Dietary Manager, the dishwasher was found to be out of service, and the manager reported ongoing problems since February, including incorrect chemical dispensing during the wash cycle and dishes not coming out clean. The manager stated that technicians had been called frequently and that the machine would work briefly after repairs and then break again. A technician was observed working on the dishwasher during the survey, and the Regional Director of Operations later confirmed that although the dishwasher had worked the previous day, it had again stopped functioning. Because the dishwasher was not operational, the facility used disposable dishware and utensils for all meals, and residents were observed receiving meals in Styrofoam containers with plastic cutlery on multiple days. A resident reported dissatisfaction with the Styrofoam containers, stating that they made it difficult to cut food and that she would cut through the container while trying to eat. Review of the dishwasher temperature log showed the dish machine was documented as broken for multiple extended periods: from 11/21/25 through 11/31/25, 01/24/26 through 02/01/26, 02/07/26 through 03/01/26, and 03/04/26 through 03/17/26. Facility policy on sanitization required all equipment to be maintained in good repair, which was not met during these documented breakdowns.
