Failure to Maintain Safe and Functional Fire Door and Ceiling in Smoking Patio Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe and functional environment for two residents who independently used the smoking patio. Observations revealed that the fire door closer at the end of hallway 100 was dismantled, causing the door to not close properly. Both residents were seen struggling to close the door, with one nearly getting his fingers caught. The Maintenance Supervisor confirmed that he had dismantled the door closer to prevent the door from slamming shut, but acknowledged that the door now did not close completely and was not safe in the event of a fire. Additionally, the ceiling tile above the fire door exit sign was found to be stained, splitting, and deteriorating, with the Maintenance Supervisor noting a possible leak and the need for repair to prevent the tile from falling. Resident A, who has paraplegia and diabetes, was observed independently accessing the smoking patio and manipulating the malfunctioning door. Resident B, with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites, was also observed using the same door and nearly pinched his fingers while closing it. Both residents' care plans allowed for smoking, with Resident B requiring supervision and protective clothing. Facility policies required fire and smoke barrier doors to remain operable at all times and for staff to report any issues, but these procedures were not followed, resulting in the identified deficiencies.