K0918 K918: Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
F

Failure to Perform Annual Fuel Quality Test on Emergency Generator

Coalinga Regional Medical Ctr Dp/snfCoalinga, California Survey Completed on 04-15-2025

Summary

The facility failed to maintain compliance with requirements for the Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) as outlined in NFPA 101 and NFPA 110. Specifically, the facility did not conduct the required annual fuel quality test for its 400-kilowatt diesel generator. During a document review and staff interview, it was confirmed that the last fuel quality test was performed over a year prior, and no recent test had been conducted. Staff indicated that the generator's fuel reserves required contaminant filtering before a test could be performed, which contributed to the lapse in testing. This deficiency affected all 43 residents and both smoke compartments within the facility. The failure to perform the annual fuel quality test was identified through a review of generator testing records and direct staff interviews, confirming that the required maintenance and testing protocols were not followed as mandated by regulatory standards.

Plan Of Correction

The facility failed to conduct the annual diesel generator fuel quality test in 2025. On April 15, 2025, the diesel generator fuel testing vendor was contacted, and a service is scheduled for May 2nd, 2025, for the diesel to be sampled and tested by the certified vendor. The testing requirement was added to the facility's emergency preparedness checklist and calendar. The maintenance lead will be responsible for contacting and scheduling the timely inspections with the vendor.

Penalty

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
See other K0918 citations
Failure to Perform and Document Annual Main and Feeder Breaker Testing
F
K0918 K918: Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Short Summary

Surveyors found that the facility failed to perform and/or document required annual testing and exercising of main and feeder circuit breakers in accordance with NFPA 99 and manufacturer recommendations. During record review, no documentation could be produced to show that the annual breaker exercises had been completed, and the Director of Facilities acknowledged this lack of records. This deficiency relates to the essential electrical system that supports life safety and critical branches during emergencies.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Exercise and Document Main and Feeder Breaker Maintenance per NFPA 99
F
K0918 K918: Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Short Summary

Surveyors found that the facility did not have documentation showing that the essential electrical system’s main and feeder circuit breakers were exercised annually in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and NFPA 99 requirements. During record review with the Maintenance Director, no records could be produced to verify that these breakers had been properly exercised, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged this failure. This deficiency was cited as affecting all occupants due to noncompliance with required essential electrical system maintenance and testing standards.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Perform and Document Required Generator Battery Testing
F
K0918 K918: Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Short Summary

Surveyors found that the facility failed to perform and document required testing of backup generator batteries in accordance with NFPA 110. During record review, no documentation of generator battery testing was available, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged both the lack of records and a lack of knowledge of the NFPA 110 battery testing requirements. The report notes that this failure could result in loss of power affecting life support and life safety features for occupants.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Maintain Required Generator Battery Testing Documentation
D
K0918 K918: Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Short Summary

Surveyors identified a deficiency when the facility could not provide documentation that backup generator batteries were being tested in accordance with NFPA 110 and NFPA 99 requirements. During record review, no records of generator battery testing were available, and the Maintenance Director confirmed he was unable to locate the requested documentation. This failure concerns the essential electrical system that supports life safety and critical functions during power loss.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Perform Required Generator Battery Conductance Testing for Essential Electrical System
F
K0918 K918: Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Short Summary

Surveyors found that the facility failed to maintain its Essential Electrical System (EES) in accordance with NFPA 99 and related standards when record review showed that conductance testing was not performed for 2 of 2 sealed generator batteries over a defined period, and only one generator battery was tested during that time. During an interview, the Maintenance Director acknowledged that required testing had not been completed for both batteries. This lapse in required emergency power system maintenance affected the facility’s single EES and all residents and staff relying on it.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Maintain and Document Required Generator Testing and Safety Features
F
K0918 K918: Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Short Summary

Surveyors found that the facility failed to maintain required documentation showing that its three generators were tested monthly and inspected and tested annually in accordance with NFPA 99 and NFPA 110. Despite multiple requests, no records of these tests or inspections were provided. During the facility tour, surveyors also observed that none of the three generators were equipped with remote manual stop buttons, and this was confirmed by the Maintenance Director. This deficient practice had the potential to affect all residents in the facility.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
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