Improper Storage of Oxygen Cylinders
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper storage of portable oxygen cylinders, specifically E Cylinders, as observed during a facility tour. The cylinders were found in various areas of the soiled utility room without appropriate labeling to distinguish between full and empty cylinders. This lack of labeling could lead to confusion and delays in accessing a full cylinder when needed urgently. During interviews with the Regional Maintenance Director, Maintenance Director, and Assistant Maintenance Director, it was revealed that they were unaware of the improper storage practices. The findings were confirmed by these staff members, indicating a lapse in oversight and adherence to the NFPA 99 (2012 Edition) standards, specifically CH 11.6.5.3, which requires empty cylinders to be marked to avoid confusion.
Penalty
Surveyors found that oxygen cylinders in a storage area were labeled as "full" and "partial/empty" without a clear definition for "partial," leading to possible misplacement of nearly full cylinders in the empty section. A staff member confirmed confusion about the requirements, and the issue had the potential to affect multiple residents.
Improper Segregation of Oxygen Cylinders Due to Undefined Signage
Penalty
Summary
During a facility tour, surveyors observed that the oxygen storage area near room A-13 contained two signs labeled "full" and "partial/empty" for cylinder segregation. However, the facility had not defined what constituted a "partial" cylinder, which created the potential for cylinders that were nearly full to be placed in the empty section. This lack of clear definition and segregation did not meet the requirements outlined in NFPA 99-2012 Edition, Section 11.6.5.2, which mandates that empty and full cylinders must be segregated if stored within the same enclosure. An interview with a medical staff member confirmed the finding, as the staff member was unaware of the specific requirements and found the signage confusing. The deficiency was identified as having the potential to affect eight out of 46 residents, but no specific details about the residents' medical history or conditions at the time of the deficiency were provided in the report.
Plan Of Correction
K923 Urbana Health and Rehab wishes to point out to any person who reviews this document that we do not necessarily agree with the citations with which we were cited. However, the law requires us to prepare a plan of correction for the citations regardless of whether we agree with them or not. Thus, we have prepared such a plan as noted below. Please note though, that this plan does not constitute an admission that the citations are either legally or factually correct. This plan of correction is not meant to establish any standard of care, contract, obligation, or position, and Urbana Health and Rehab reserves all rights to raise all possible contentions and defenses in any civil or criminal action or proceeding. Please accept 7/30/25 as the facility's allegation of compliance date. The facility failed to maintain oxygen storage signage near room A 13; empty oxygen bottles were labeled "partial/empty." Step 1: Maintenance Director corrected the signage on 6-6-25 with a sign that reads "Empty." Step 2: All residents that utilize oxygen were assessed for proper storage and placement of oxygen tanks by 7/15/25. Step 3: LNHA educated all clinical staff on appropriate signage for Oxygen room 7/15/25. New hires are educated upon orientation. Step 4: LNHA/designee to monitor for continued compliance will audit oxygen room signage weekly x4 then monthly x2. Results of the audits will be forwarded to the QAPI committee for further review and recommendations.
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