Improper Use of Extension Cord and Missing Receptacle Faceplate
Penalty
Summary
During a facility tour and staff interviews, surveyors observed that an orange extension cord was in use along the northeast wall of the Human Resources Office. The extension cord was placed on top of wall cabinets and was powering fan components. Staff confirmed the presence of the extension cord but were unsure how long it had been in use. The use of extension cords as a substitute for fixed wiring is not permitted under NFPA 70, and the cord's placement and use did not comply with regulatory requirements. Additionally, a receptacle along the west wall of the Director of Staff Development's Office was found to be missing a faceplate. Staff confirmed that the faceplate was likely removed accidentally. The absence of a faceplate on a receptacle is a violation of electrical safety standards, as receptacle faceplates are required to completely cover the opening and seat against the mounting surface. These deficiencies affected a significant portion of the facility, including 52 of 92 residents and two of six smoke compartments.
Plan Of Correction
K 920 - Electrical Equipment - Power Cords and Extension Cords Plan of Correction: How corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice; • The orange extension cord found in the Human Resources Office was removed on 3/18/25 and replaced with a fixed, properly installed electrical setup. • The missing receptacle faceplate in the Director of Staff Development's Office was replaced on 3/18/25, ensuring that it fully covers the opening and is seated correctly against the mounting surface. How the facility will identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective action will be taken; The EVS Director conducted a facility-wide inspection of resident rooms and offices on 3/19/25 to ensure there's no other improper use of extension cords. No other issues were identified. What measures will be put into place or what systemic changes the facility will make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur; A monthly inspection will be conducted by the EVS Director or designee to ensure that all receptacles are covered with faceplates and that no extension cords are used improperly. The EVS Director was trained by the Administrator on 4/9/25 on the importance of faceplates and avoidance of improper extension cables. The Human Resource Director was trained by the EVS Director on 3/18/25. How the facility plans to monitor its performance to make sure that solutions are sustained. The facility must develop a plan for ensuring that correction is achieved and sustained. This plan must be implemented, and the corrective action evaluated for its effectiveness. The POC is integrated into the quality assurance system; • A monthly inspection will be conducted by the EVS Director or designee to ensure that all receptacles are covered with faceplates and that no extension cords are used improperly. Results will be reviewed in the QAPI meetings for ongoing compliance oversight.