Improper Storage of Wheelchairs and Geriatric Chair
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that five wheelchairs and one geriatric chair were stored properly, as they were found outside under the rain. This practice had the potential to damage the medical equipment and prevent their safe use for residents. During an interview, the Director of Rehabilitation (DOR) mentioned difficulties in maintaining and keeping track of wheelchairs, as they often get lost. The DOR also noted that a wheelchair prepared for a resident was stored outside in the rain, rendering it unusable for the day due to its wet condition. The resident required a custom wheelchair, and no alternative was available. Further observations revealed that four wheelchairs and one geriatric chair were left in an outdoor area exposed to the elements. The Maintenance Supervisor acknowledged that the covered shed was full and primarily used for activity equipment, leaving no covered storage space for the medical equipment. The Director of Nursing confirmed that wheelchairs and other medical equipment should not be stored outside in uncovered areas. Additionally, the Medical Records Supervisor stated that the facility lacked a policy regarding the storage of medical equipment.
Plan Of Correction
How corrective actions will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by this deficient practice: On 3/5/25 the Maintenance Director and Maintenance Assistant removed all wheelchairs and geriatric chairs from the patio. On 3/5/25, the facility began storing all wheelchairs and geriatric chairs inside the facility in the newly designated area. How do facility will identify other residents, having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective action will be taken: All residents have the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. On 3/5/25, the Administrator and Maintenance Director made visual rounds on the outdoor areas of the facility to ensure medical equipment is not being stored in uncovered areas. No other residents were affected by this deficient practice. What measures will be into place or what systemic changes the facility will make to ensure that the deficient practice is not recur: On 3/27/25, The Director of Staff Development in-serviced Vocational Nurses (LVN), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), along with the Maintenance Department and Housekeeping Department were in-serviced on having and maintaining proper covered storage for resident equipment. The Maintenance Director/designee will conduct rounds on the facility outside areas daily for 5 days weekly for 2 weeks and monthly thereafter to ensure resident equipment is not being stored in non-covered areas. How the facility plans to monitor its performance to make sure that solutions are maintained: The Administrator will report to the Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee during its monthly meeting the status of the compliance for proper storage of resident equipment for three months or until compliance is met.