Failure to Document Annual Full-Scale Emergency Exercise
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when the facility failed to maintain its Emergency Preparedness Program as required by federal regulations. During a Medicare/Medicaid Recertification Survey, surveyors reviewed documentation and conducted interviews to assess compliance with emergency preparedness testing requirements. The review, conducted on August 5, 2025, between 8:35 AM and 10:45 AM, revealed that the facility did not have documentation verifying that a full-scale emergency exercise had been conducted within the last twelve months. This documentation is necessary to demonstrate that the facility has tested its emergency plan as required by regulation §483.73(d)(2). During the exit conference, the Administrator, Regional Director, Regional Maintenance Director, and Environmental Services Director confirmed that the facility lacked documentation of a full-scale exercise. This absence of documentation substantiated the finding that the facility was not in compliance with the emergency preparedness testing requirements.
Plan Of Correction
The facility lacked documentation verifying a full-scale exercise had been conducted in the last twelve months. No residents were affected. All residents have the potential to be affected. A full-scale exercise will be completed within 30 days by the Emergency Preparedness Plan Committee as required. The facility will reach out to the healthcare coalition and will participate in a full-scale exercise if available. The Director of Maintenance and maintenance staff were educated by the Administrator on the requirement. The Maintenance Director/Designee will conduct a semi-annual audit on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with conducting a full-scale exercise as required. Results of audits will be reviewed at the Quarterly Quality Assurance and Improvement Committee Meeting over the duration of the audit process. Based on the results of the audits, a decision will be made regarding the need for continued submission and reporting.