Failure to Provide Resident Communication During Power and Generator Outage
Penalty
Summary
During a power outage and subsequent generator failure caused by an ice storm, the facility failed to provide residents with a means to communicate with staff, as the call system was nonfunctional. Residents reported being left in the dark without sufficient flashlights, bells, or whistles to alert staff to their needs. Staff interviews confirmed that there were not enough flashlights for everyone, and the call system was out of service. Residents described feeling isolated and unable to summon assistance during the emergency. Facility leadership, including the NHA, DON, and a regional clinical RN, acknowledged that emergency procedures were not followed, specifically the failure to obtain a backup generator and the inability to distribute emergency communication devices to residents. Emergency kits containing flashlights were initially inaccessible due to locked doors, and staff had to rely on personal phones for light. Additionally, staff could not access electronic medical records due to a failed computer backup battery. The facility's emergency plan required the distribution of bells and whistles and access to emergency equipment, but these measures were not implemented during the incident.