Lake Whatcom Residential & Treatment Center

Basement kitchen residential hood has grease build up and is being used for commercial-style cooking without a proper commercial hood system.

Old mattresses were stored in the 2nd and 3rd-floor corridors, obstructing exit pathways.

A chair was obstructing the 3rd floor stairway, restricting the width of the exit access.

Two employees were found to be living at the facility after residents were moved out.

Annual fire alarm inspection from 11/25/2025 had outstanding deficiencies that were not corrected.

Facility could not provide documentation of annual fire-resistance-rated construction material inspection.

Extinguishers in the main laundry, resident laundry, and basement kitchen were mounted with handles more than five feet above the floor.

Annual maintenance for fire extinguishers in the mechanical room near 210, the boiler room near entry, and the boiler room near sprinkler riser has not been completed.

Fire extinguisher in the kitchen is on the floor; fire extinguisher in the basement kitchen is hanging on a coat hanger.

The facility failed to report an influenza outbreak to the Local Health Jurisdiction (LHJ). Between 02/08/2025 and 02/25/2025, 30 residents had flu symptoms, with three testing positive for influenza A, but the facility failed to report the occurrence as required.

Facility failed to prohibit smoking within 25 feet of building entrances; residents observed smoking 4.5 to 8 feet from the door.

Facility failed to ensure 2 of 3 staff members were screened for TB within three days of employment.

Facility failed to provide a written Respiratory Protection Program and failed to perform N-95 respirator fit testing for 6 of 6 staff interviewed.

Facility unable to provide documentation for annual sprinkler inspection, 5-year internal piping inspection, and annual backflow forward flow test.

Facility unable to provide documentation for monthly carbon monoxide detector testing.

Extension cords used as permanent wiring in the downstairs kitchen and downstairs exam room.

Residential hood with grease build-up indicates residential appliance is being used for commercial purposes without proper hood system.

Facility unable to provide documentation for semi-annual hood cleaning.

Facility unable to provide documentation for semi-annual kitchen suppression system servicing.

Facility unable to provide documentation for annual 90-minute power test for emergency lights.

Multi-plug adapter without over-current protection in use in the downstairs exam room.

Facility cannot provide documentation for completion of 12 planned and unannounced fire drills in the previous 12 months.

Facility unable to provide documentation for monthly 30-second activation test for emergency lights.

Facility unable to provide documentation for annual servicing of emergency generator.

Facility unable to provide documentation for annual fire alarm system testing.

Multi-plug adapter without overcurrent protection found in use in the laundry room.

Facility unable to provide documentation for annual fire alarm system testing; alarm system has an illuminated memory light.

Facility failed to complete twelve planned and unannounced fire drills in the previous 12 months; specific shifts and quarters were missed.

Facility unable to provide documentation for semi-annual hood cleaning.

Sprinkler control valves are not locked or monitored.

The facility failed to immediately report allegations of sexual and physical abuse regarding three residents to the Department and local law enforcement.

The facility failed to ensure resident safety was maintained when a resident reported allegations of sexual abuse; no interventions were documented to protect the resident from the alleged perpetrator.