Improper Use of Extension Cords and Power Strips for Electrical Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain electrical equipment in accordance with NFPA 101 and related standards, as evidenced by the use of extension cords and power strips in multiple areas. During a facility tour, surveyors observed several instances where portable air conditioning units were plugged into orange extension cords in corridors near resident rooms 9, 23, 36, and 50. Additionally, an extension cord was found in use by bed A in resident room 20, and another was observed in the medication storage closet in nurses station 2, where it was connected to an air conditioning unit placed on a cabinet. In each case, staff interviews revealed that either residents or their families had brought the extension cords or power strips into the facility. These observations indicate that extension cords and power strips were being used as a substitute for fixed wiring, which is not permitted under the cited regulations. The use of such equipment was not limited to personal electronics in resident rooms without patient-care-related electrical equipment, but extended to areas where it is explicitly prohibited. The deficiency affected all 95 residents and all four smoke compartments of the facility, as the improper use of electrical equipment was widespread throughout the building.
Plan Of Correction
and for all three shifts. Issues identified will be immediately addressed and corrected by the Maintenance Director and/or designee and will be validated by the Administrator. How the facility plans to monitor its performance to make sure that solutions are sustained: e) Maintenance Director and/or designee will bring monthly to the department manager morning meeting the fire drill binder to validate that fire drills are being conducted as required and for all three shifts. Issues identified will be immediately addressed and corrected by the Maintenance Director and/or designee and will be validated by the Administrator. Maintenance Director and/or designee will do trending/analysis and will report to the quarterly QAPI Committee for further evaluation and/or recommendations. Completion Date: 04/17/2025 K920 Electrical Equipment - Power Cords and Extens How the corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice: (a) The Maintenance Director immediately removed the orange extension cord plugged into the portable air conditioning found in the corridor near resident room 23 on 04/16/2025. (b) The Maintenance Director immediately removed the extension cord plugged into the resident room 20 on 04/16/2025. (c) The Maintenance Director immediately removed the orange extension cord plugged into the portable air conditioning found in the corridor near resident room 50 on 04/16/2025. (d) The Maintenance Director immediately removed the orange extension cord plugged into the portable air conditioning found in the corridor near resident room 36 on 04/16/2025. (e) The Maintenance Director immediately removed the extension cord plugged into the air conditioning in the medication storage closet 04/16/2025. (f) The Maintenance Director immediately removed the orange extension cord plugged into the portable air conditioning found in the corridor near resident room 9 on 04/16/2025. How the facility will identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what action will be taken: g) All areas have the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. No other areas were identified as being affected. What measures will be put into place or what systemic changes you will take to ensure that the deficient practice will not recur: h) In-Service was conducted by Administrator to the Maintenance Director on 04/17/2025 regarding the importance of ensuring that the facility is following the proper procedures and regulations as it pertains to the use of extension cords within the facility. i) Maintenance Director and/or designee will conduct weekly facility inspections focusing on the facility use of extension cords. Issues identified will be corrected immediately by the Maintenance Director and/or designee and will be validated by the Administrator. How the facility plans to monitor its performance to make sure that solutions are sustained: j) Maintenance Director and/or designee will conduct weekly facility inspections focusing on the facility use of extension cords. Issues identified will be corrected immediately by the Maintenance Director and/or designee and will be validated by the Maintenance Director and/or designee and will do trending/analysis and will report to the quarterly QAPI Committee for further evaluation and/or recommendations. Completion Date: 04/17/2025