Non-Compliant Use of Electrical Equipment and Power Strips
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances where the facility failed to maintain electrical equipment in accordance with NFPA 101 and NFPA 70 standards. Specifically, a four multiplug outlet adapter was found in use at Nurse Station 2, with three of its four outlets occupied. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that the adapter was used due to an insufficient number of available outlets. In the Telecom Room near Room 21, two power strips were daisy chained together and connected to a small extension cord, all of which were in use. The Maintenance Assistant indicated that a vendor may have installed the surge protector and extension cord. Additionally, a brown extension cord was found supplying power to a computer in the Administrator Room, with the Maintenance Assistant unable to explain its presence. These observations affected 18 of 43 residents in one of three smoke compartments. The use of non-compliant outlet adapters, extension cords, and daisy chained power strips was directly observed by surveyors during their tour and interviews with facility staff. The report does not mention any specific medical history or condition of the residents involved at the time of the deficiency.
Plan Of Correction
How corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice. The four multiplug outlet adapter in Nurse Station 2 was removed on 5/19/25. The two daisy chained power strips and small extension cord in the Telecom Room by Room 21 were removed on 5/19/25. The brown extension cord was in the Administrative DSD office was removed on 5/19/25. 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. All residents have the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. No residents were found to be affected by this deficient practice. What measures will be put into place or what systemic changes in the facility will make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur: On 5/20/25 Administrator re-educated maintenance staff on NFPA electrical standards. Use of extension cords and outlet adapters is prohibited. Maintenance staff will do visual checks as part of their daily rounds for compliance. 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. The Administrator shall report the outcome of the checks/inspections to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee (QA&A) during its' monthly meeting. If determined that the facility has accomplished the objectives in the plan of correction as aforementioned and the results are successful, then the facility shall consider the matter resolved. The QA&A Committee shall continue to review until such time that the deficiency has been proven to be resolved for 3 consecutive months and/or as advised by the QA&A Committee. Date of Completion of Corrective Action: 05/20/25