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Inspection visit

Health inspection

MONTEREY PALMS HEALTH CARE CENTERCMS #5554031 citation on this visit
1 citation recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

This survey cited 1 deficiency. The full statement and the facility’s plan of correction follow, verbatim from the federal record.

555403 03/21/2024 Monterey Palms Health Care Center 44610 Monterey Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260
F 0814 Dispose of garbage and refuse properly. Level of Harm - Minimal harm or potential for actual harm Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure that two of three trash dumpster lids were securely closed. Residents Affected - Few This failure had the potential to attract pests, insects, and vermin (animals that are believed to carry diseases such as rodents [rats/mice]) which could create an unsanitary environment for the vulnerable residents residing in the facility. Findings: On March 21, 2024, at 10:50 a.m., an unannounced visit was conducted at the facility for an environmental complaint. On March 21, 2024, at 11:05 a.m., an observation was conducted with the Administrator (Adm) and the Director of Nursing (DON) of the three facility trash dumpsters. One trash dumpster located at the back of the facility, near the kitchen, was observed with the lid open. The trash dumpster had two bags of trash and there were flies flying in and out. The second trash dumpster located across the driveway, near the facility property line by a brick wall, was observed with lid open was for recyclables. The dumpster was observed to be full of broken-down cardboard. During a concurrent interview, the Adm stated the dumpster lids should be closed to prevent insects and rodents. The Adm was then observed telling staff to close the dumpster lids. On March 21, 2024, at 11:10 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Janitor. The Janitor stated he was asked by the Adm to close the trash dumpster lids. The Janitor stated the dumpster lids needed to remain closed to prevent insects and rodents. On March 21, 2024, at 11:17 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Dietary Supervisor (DS). The DS supervisor stated it was important for the trash dumpster lids to be closed. The DS stated when the lids were left open flies and rodents could be attracted to the trash. The DS stated the lids should be closed to prevent odors as well. On March 21, 2024, at 11:20 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Director of Maintenance (DM). The DM stated the trash dumpsters were emptied every day but Sunday. The DM stated the trash dumpster lids should be closed to prevent insects and rodents. On March 21, 2024, at 11:25 a.m., an interview was conducted with the housekeeper (HSK). The HSK stated it was important for the trash dumpster lids to be closed to prevent flies and rodents. The HSK stated the dumpster lids were heavy and hard to close, so they were left open sometimes. Page 1 of 2 555403 555403 03/21/2024 Monterey Palms Health Care Center 44610 Monterey Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260
F 0814 Level of Harm - Minimal harm or potential for actual harm Residents Affected - Few On March 21, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Housekeeping Supervisor (HSK-S). The HSK-S stated the trash dumpster lids needed to be kept closed to prevent flies, rodents, and odors. The HSK-S stated the trash dumpster lids should not be left open. Review of the facility document titled, Pest Control undated, indicated, .Keep facility grounds free of trash and brush. Keep dumpster area clean and the lid closed . According to the 2022 FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Food Code, revised January 18, 2023, in section 5-501.110 titled Storing Refuse, Recyclables, and Returnables indicated, REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be stored in receptacles or waste handling units so that they are inaccessible to insects and rodents . Section 5-501.113, part A (2) and B, titled, Covering Receptacles. indicated, Receptacles and waste handling units for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered .(2) After they are filled; and (B) With tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside . 555403 Page 2 of 2

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Citations

1 citation recorded*CMS

What do CMS severity letters mean?

Serious (G-L). Actual harm to a resident, or immediate jeopardy. Codes G through I indicate actual harm; J through L indicate immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

General (A-F). No actual harm found, or harm that is minimal. The facility must still submit a Plan of Correction. Most CMS citations land here.

Each letter combines severity with scope: how many residents the deficiency affected.

  • 0814GeneralS&S Dpotential for harm

    F814 - Food Safety Requirements

    Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the March 21, 2024 survey of MONTEREY PALMS HEALTH CARE CENTER?

This was a inspection survey of MONTEREY PALMS HEALTH CARE CENTER on March 21, 2024. The surveyor cited 1 deficiency, recorded on the federal Form 2567 statement of deficiencies.

Were any deficiencies cited at MONTEREY PALMS HEALTH CARE CENTER on March 21, 2024?

Yes, 1 deficiency was cited, each with a CMS Scope and Severity grade. The first was: "Dispose of garbage and refuse properly."

What type of survey was this?

This was a inspection survey conducted by state surveyors under federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversight. Findings are published on CMS Care Compare.

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Next steps

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Data from CMS Care Compare public records. Dataset last refreshed . If you believe any information is inaccurate, report it here.