Non-Essential Equipment Connected to Life Safety Emergency Outlets
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that only permitted electrical equipment was connected to the Life Safety emergency system, as required by NFPA 99 and related codes. During an observation and interview, it was found that phone charging cords were plugged into the emergency red outlets located behind beds in room 19. The Maintenance Supervisor confirmed that these red outlets are connected to the life safety emergency system, which is intended only for specific, critical functions as outlined in the regulations. The report specifies that, in the event of a prolonged normal electrical failure, unessential equipment such as phone chargers should not be continuously connected to the emergency system. This is to prevent power overload and potential failure of the alternative power source. The deficiency was identified during a concurrent observation and interview, and the findings were acknowledged by the Maintenance Supervisor. A review of the facility's Maintenance Service Policy and Procedure indicated that the Maintenance Department is responsible for maintaining the building and equipment in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. However, the observed practice of allowing non-essential equipment to be plugged into the life safety emergency outlets was not in compliance with these requirements.
Plan Of Correction
BEL VISTA HEALTHCARE CENTER makes every effort to operate in substantial compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations. Nothing in this Plan of Correction is an admission otherwise. BEL VISTA HEALTHCARE CENTER is submitting this Plan of Correction in compliance with its regulatory obligations and does not waive any objections it may have as to the merit or form of any allegations contained herein. Please note that the facility may contest the merits or form of any of the alleged deficient findings and may take reasonable steps to appeal them. This Plan of Correction constitutes BEL VISTA HEALTHCARE CENTER's written credible allegation of compliance for the deficiencies noted. It is the facility's policy to comply with all applicable federal and state regulations regarding NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code 2012 Edition, specifically section 6.4.2.2.3.5 concerning the proper use of Life Safety emergency system electrical outlets. Corrective Action Taken: On 05/20/2025, the Maintenance Director immediately removed all phone charging cords from the emergency red outlets in Room 19. The Maintenance Director conducted a facility-wide inspection of all emergency red outlets to ensure no unauthorized equipment was connected. Identification of Other Areas with Potential to be Affected: The Maintenance Director completed a comprehensive audit of all emergency power outlets throughout the facility on 05/20/2025 to identify any similar instances of improper use. This included inspection of all four smoke compartments and documentation of all emergency power circuits and their current usage. Systemic Changes and Measures Implemented: 1. Installed clear signage at all emergency outlets identifying proper usage restrictions. 2. Conducted in-service training for staff on 05/21/2025 regarding emergency power systems and proper outlet usage. 3. Added emergency outlet inspection to daily maintenance rounds checklist. Monitoring and Quality Assurance: The Maintenance Director will conduct daily rounds to ensure compliance with emergency outlet usage requirements. Results will be documented on a standardized audit tool. The Administrator will review audit results monthly. The Maintenance Director will report monitoring results to the quarterly Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee. The QAPI committee will monitor compliance until substantial compliance is achieved and maintained for three consecutive months. Additional education and monitoring will be implemented as needed based on audit findings. Date of Completion: 06/12/2025