INITIAL COMMENTS
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This report is a result of an on-site complaint investigation conducted on August 22, 2025 by staff from the Bureau of Program Licensure. Based on the findings of the on-site complaint investigation, Pennsylvania Organization for Wormen in Early Recovery (POWER) was found not to be in compliance with the applicable chapters of 28 PA Code which pertain to the facility.
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Plan of Correction
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705.2 (2) LICENSURE Building exterior and grounds.
705.2. Building exterior and grounds.
The residential facility shall:
(2) Keep the grounds of the facility clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times for the safety and well-being of residents, employees and visitors. The exterior of the building and the building grounds or yard shall be free of hazards.
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Observations
Based on a physical plant inspection, the facility failed to keep the grounds of the facility clean, safe and in good repair at all times.
During the physical plant inspection, a black, mold-like substance was observed in client bedroom numbers 304, 307, 309, 311 and 313. Later reports provided by facility staff stated that the testing confirmed it to be mold.
These findings were reviewed with facility staff during the investigation process.
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Plan of Correction
Once it was confirmed through professional testing that mold was present in the building, POWER House Program Manager in collaboration with POWER's Intake department paused admissions for new clients. Additionally, POWER's leadership team developed a plan for the safe relocation of all clients. All clients and staff were relocated to POWER's Rosa Verdiglione Building (RVB) on October 1, 2025, on the second floor utilizing new renovated space that will eventually be used for 3.7WM and 3.5 levels of care. Over the next few months, POWER's leadership team including the CEO, COO, and CFO will oversee that hired professionals complete a mold remediation process, including addressing the root cause of the mold, to significantly decrease the likelihood of this becoming a reoccurring issue in the future. Once this task is completed, clients and staff will return to POWER House location.
In the future, POWER House Program Manager will conduct weekly facility walkthroughs. The administrative team will conduct monthly walkthroughs and a property manager, will also conduct monthly walkthroughs. These physical plant inspections will help monitor and maintain the safety and efficiency of POWER House and immediately identify any potential risks.
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705.7 (b) (6) LICENSURE Food service.
705.7. Food service.
(b) A residential facility may operate a central food preparation area to provide food services to multiple facilities or locations. A residential facility that operates an onsite food preparation area or a central food preparation area shall:
(6) Store all food items off the floor.
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Observations
Based on a physical plant inspection, the facility failed to store all food items off the floor.
During the physical plant inspection, food was observed to be on the floor in both the freezer and refrigerator.
These findings were reviewed with facility staff during the investigation process.
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Plan of Correction
The Program Manager reviewed this requirement with the Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) Supervisor on 8/22/25 who then reviewed it with all RSS team members the next day on 8/23/25. All staff understand that food cannot be stored on the floor, and this issue has been resolved.
The RSS Supervisor will conduct weekly checks of all food storage spaces to ensure that food is stored appropriately. During weekly walkthroughs of the physical plant, the House manager will additionally check for appropriate food storage compliance. |
705.9 (1) LICENSURE General safety and emergency procedures.
705.9. General safety and emergency procedures.
The residential facility shall:
(1) Be free of rodent and insect infestation.
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Observations
Based on a physical plant inspection, staff & client interviews and administrative documentation, the facility failed to be free of rodent and insect infestation.
During the onsite complaint investigation, gnats were observed to be at multiple locations throughout the facility.
These findings were reviewed with facility staff during the investigation process.
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Plan of Correction
Our pest control company, returned for their routine check on 9/10. There were no additional insects identified, and there had been a decrease of gnats throughout the facility. Orkin will continue to provide routine monthly services including spraying both inside and outside of the facility to decrease the likelihood of rodent and insect infestation.
All RSS will facilitate a walkthrough daily of client bedrooms. The RSS Supervisor and Program Manager will be responsible for weekly walkthroughs of rooms and offices. Doing this will identify any potential risks related to rodent or insect infestation. If any concerns arise, our maintenance manager will be informed, and our pest control company will be contacted. |