Obstructed Emergency Exit and Hallway by Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that a Hoyer lift was parked directly in front of and close to an emergency exit door, an emergency crash cart was parked beside the utility room, and two wheelchairs were parked along the right side of the hallway in Station A. During the tour, a Licensed Vocational Nurse confirmed that these items were blocking the hallways and the exit door, acknowledging that such placement was inappropriate. The Director of Nursing also stated that emergency exits should not be blocked, as this could prevent residents from exiting during an emergency. Review of the facility's policy indicated that the environment should be safe, clean, comfortable, and not pose a safety risk, with the physical layout maximizing resident independence.