By Jerri Lynn Ward, J.D. Garlo Ward, P.C.
Posted Feb. 5, 2004
I’ve got those dishwasher blues�.
Surveyors in the Houston region of TDHS put a facility in Immediate Jeopardy because while the surveyors were in the building the heating element in the dishwasher malfunctioned right in front of the dietary manager and the surveyors. All of the previous water temperatures had been at the correct level. This time, the temperature was shown to be 88, so the dietary manager stopped the dishwasher and called the plumber. Disposable dishes were used for serving the residents and the pans were washed in a 3 compartment sink with a chemical sanitizer. Therefore, none of the dishes from the malfunctioning dishwasher were used or at risk of being used.
Even after the plumber fixed the dishwasher, the surveyors would not lift the IJ because they didn’t want the facility to note in the plan of action that no residents were at risk during the repair of the dishwasher.
Fortunately, the Enforcement Team correctly cancelled the IJ after review and did not cite a tag for the dishwasher.
Consistency�the hobgoblin of small minds�
“Several years ago a State School received a staff training deficiency. It was cited because when some staff assisted consumers in brushing their teeth, they prompted the consumer to wet the toothbrush and then apply the paste. Others would prompt them to apply the paste and then wet the tooth brush along with the paste.”
“Some days you’re the dog, some days you’re the hydrant”: (Contributed by Beth Alford, Vice President Professional Services, Investment Properties Management Ltd.
A nursing home in Illinois had a facility dog. While residents were still being brought into the dining room (before food had been served), the surveyor saw the dog sitting on the floor of the dining room licking its testicles. They were outraged and cited F369 and F252. The administrator was so amazed all he could do during the day’s status conference was say “you’re kidding”.
If you have stories of Deficiencies of the Weird that you would like published�send them to me at jward@garloward.com. Please forward this email to any colleagues who might be interested in participating. Please indicate whether you would like credit or to remain anonymous.
All information in this article and on this site is informational only and is not legal advice. Should you have any questions or a situation requiring advice, please contact an attorney.
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