Harborview Health Systems Thomaston

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Harborview Health Systems Thomaston, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Jul 2, 2025

  Based on observations, staff interviews, and review of the facility's policy titled Food Receiving and Storage, the facility failed to ensure that opened food items were dated and failed to discard food items after the best if used by date in the walk-in refrigerator. This deficient practice had the potential to place the 101 residents receiving an oral diet from the kitchen at risk of foodborne illness.Findings include:Review of the facility's policy titled Food Receiving and Storage revealed the Policy Statement section stated, Food shall be stored in a manner that complies with safe food handling practices. The Policy Interpretation and Implementation section included, 1. Food Services, or other designated staff, will always maintain clean food storage areas. 2. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Jul 22, 2022

  Based on observation, interview, manufacturer's guidelines, policy review, and document review, the facility failed to ensure: 1. the trash can was functional at the hand washing sink; 2. that all food items in the coolers or refrigerator were labeled to include the date the item was placed in the cooler; 3. the fan used to dry the floor after it was mopped did not have a dusty fan grate and blowing on the stove where food was being prepared; 4. Mighty Shakes were thawed no more than the manufacturer's recommendations; and 5. employee's lunch box and other food items were not store in the residents' pantry refrigerator and freezers. This deficient practice had the potential to affect 105 of 110 residents receiving an oral diet. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF761Jul 2, 2025

  Based on observations, record review, staff interviews and review of the facility's policies titled Medication Administration and Medication Storage, the facility failed to place open dates on one container of glucometer strips on each of the 100 and 300 Hall medication carts, and failed to remove one expired inhaler from the 100 Hall medication cart. The facility's census was 105. The facility's census was 105. Findings include: Review of the facility's policy titled Medication Administration, reviewed 6/1/2024, documented Policy: Medications are administered In accordance with professional standards of practice . Policy Explanation and Compliance Guidance: 13. Identify expiration date. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF921Oct 3, 2024

  Based on observations, staff interviews, and review of the facility's policy titled, Cleaning Cycle, the facility failed to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment in three of six units of the facility (Unit 400, Unit 500, and Unit 600). Specifically, the facility failed to maintain an environment free of a strong odor of urine in resident rooms, bathrooms, and unit hallways. This deficient practice had the potential to place residents at risk of living in an unsanitary living environment and a potential for diminished quality of life. Findings include: A review of the facility's policy titled, Cleaning Cycle, dated revised 3/1/2024, stated, The frequency of cleaning and disinfection of the facility environment may vary according to the: a. Type of surface to be cleaned. b. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812Sep 1, 2023

  Based on observations, staff interviews, and a review of the facility policy titled, Food Receiving and Storage, and Pot and Pan Washing and Sanitation; Manual Warewashing and Sanitation, revealed the facility failed to ensure opened food was dated, labeled, and sealed, ensure storage was free of dented cans, and drying containers were not stacked wet. This had the potential to affect 105 of 107 residents who resided in the facility and consumed food prepared from the facility's kitchen. Findings include: A review of the facility's undated policy titled Food Receiving and Storage, revealed 2. When food is delivered to the facility it will be inspected for safe transport and quality before being accepted. 7. […]