Improper Use of Extension Cords in Staff and Resident Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain electrical equipment in accordance with regulatory requirements, as evidenced by the use of extension cords in both a staff area and a resident room. During a facility tour, surveyors observed an orange extension cord plugged into a coffee machine in the medical records office. Staff interviewed at the time indicated they were unaware that the use of extension cords was not permitted. Additionally, a brown extension cord was found in a resident room, being used to charge a phone. Staff reported that the extension cord had been brought in by the resident. These observations affected 23 of 103 residents and one of five smoke compartments within the facility.
Plan Of Correction
Ensure the Maintenance Department is inspecting all electrical breaker panels annually for appropriate and proper labeling. How does the facility plan to monitor its performance to make sure that the corrections are implemented and achieved, that solutions are sustained, and that the corrective actions taken are evaluated for effectiveness through integration into the facility's Quality Assurance system? The Facilities Maintenance Director will review the monthly inspections by the Facilities Maintenance lead and report findings and compliance to the Quality Assurance committee monthly for three months for integration and recommendations, and then annually thereafter. K 920: How will the corrective action be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice? The extension cord in room 503 and in the Medical Records office were immediately removed by the Maintenance Lead. How will the facility identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective action will be taken? The facility has not identified any other residents affected by the deficient practice. An inspection walk-through of all patient rooms and non-patient rooms was conducted on 03/27/2025 to ensure no other extension cords were in use. What measures will be put into place or what systemic changes will the facility make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur? Maintenance staff were in-serviced by the Facilities Maintenance Director on 4/4/2025 to review K 920 findings and the acceptable and appropriate use of extension cords and/or power strips. An in-service for all staff was conducted by the Director of Staff Development and Maintenance Lead to educate staff that extension cords are not permitted to be used except for temporary purposes and must be removed immediately upon completion of the task for which it was used. Staff were educated to be observant for unauthorized use of extension cords and to remove them immediately, and to report any use of power strips to Maintenance so that Maintenance can ensure the power strip is compliant in its use and design. The Facilities Maintenance Director generated a monthly Room Safety Inspection task within the TELS system so that the Maintenance department can inspect all rooms for use of extension cords and/or power strips monthly. Findings shall be corrected immediately. The Facilities Maintenance Director will review the monthly Room Safety Inspection task reports from TELS for compliance and findings and shall report compliance and findings monthly for three months to the Quality Assurance Committee for integration and recommendations if indicated.