Improper Use of Portable Space Heaters in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to comply with NFPA 101 standards regarding the use of portable space heaters in health care occupancies. During an observation and interview conducted on December 6, 2024, between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., it was found that the facility was using portable space heaters to heat twelve resident sleeping rooms, specifically rooms #101-112. This was confirmed in an interview with the maintenance director and the administrator, who acknowledged the use of portable space heaters at the time of the survey. The use of these heaters in sleeping areas is a violation of the requirement that prohibits portable space heating devices in health care occupancies, except in nonsleeping staff and employee areas where the heating elements do not exceed 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius).
Plan Of Correction
The Facility submits this Plan of Correction under procedures established by the Department of Health in order to comply with the Department's directive to change conditions which the Department alleges is deficient under State and/or Federal Long Term Care Regulations. This Plan of Correction should not be construed as either a waiver of the facility's right to appeal or challenge the accuracy or severity of the alleged deficiencies or an admission of past or ongoing violation of State or Federal regulatory requirements. On December 6, 2024, the facility removed portable space heaters from all resident rooms. Space heaters on December 6, 2024, were placed at approximately 3pm in nonsleeping staff and employee areas. Also, elements did not exceed the 212 degrees Fahrenheit per regulations. On December 6, 2024, at approximately 10pm the failed air exchanger was replaced with a new unit. Within 30 minutes of the installation, the building established an appropriate temperature range for the entire building.