Noncompliant Use of Extension Cord in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when, during an observation on June 10, 2025, an extension cord was found in use in a resident's room (room 218, 200 hall). The use of this extension cord did not comply with the requirements of NFPA 99 and NFPA 70, which specify that extension cords should not be used as a substitute for fixed wiring and must be removed immediately after temporary use. The finding was confirmed through interviews with two facility maintenance staff present at the time of observation. The report notes that this practice could potentially affect 16 occupants within the smoke compartment in the event of an electrical fire resulting from unauthorized electrical cord use.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1 - Upon identification, environmental services removed the extension cords that were in use in resident room 218 located at 200 hall at the time of observation. The residents were educated on the safety risk and acknowledged compliance. Element 2 - The Environmental Services Director inspected all resident rooms to ensure no other deficiencies concerning extension cords existed. Element 3 - The Maintenance Director/designee will complete monthly audits for 2 months for extension cords to ensure compliance with NFPA 70 400.8.1. Element 4 - Any trends will be reported to the Administrator monthly by the Environmental Services Director/designee. The Environmental Services Director or designee will report audit findings to the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee quarterly for monitoring per QAPI recommendations. Element 5 - The Nursing Home Administrator is responsible for maintaining compliance.