Failure to Remove Accident Hazards Near Resident's Bed
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an environment free from accident hazards for one of five sampled residents. Specifically, remnants of a broken rail, including two square wood pieces with splintered wood and protruding screws, were left on the wall near a resident's bed. This condition was observed during a survey, and both a licensed nurse and a maintenance assistant confirmed the presence of these hazards. The maintenance assistant explained that the rail was likely damaged when staff raised the height of the resident's bed, and acknowledged that the remaining wood and screws could pose a risk of injury. The resident involved had a medical history that included major depressive disorder and spinal stenosis. Review of facility policies indicated that staff are expected to provide a safe, homelike environment and to identify and report accident hazards. However, in this instance, the hazardous remnants were not removed or reported, resulting in a failure to ensure the environment was free from accident hazards as required by facility policy.