Failure to Maintain Safe Bed Equipment for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain resident care equipment in safe operating condition by not ensuring that a resident's bed frame control was in good repair. Specifically, the bed control cord for a resident with epilepsy, cognitive communication deficit, and mood disorder was found to have frayed and exposed wires. The resident, who required substantial assistance with daily activities and was dependent on staff for mobility, reported the issue, noting that black tape had previously been applied to the cord but that exposed wires remained visible and the repair was inadequate. Observations confirmed that the bed control cord had exposed and frayed wires, sometimes with and sometimes without black tape. Staff interviews revealed that a CNA noticed the exposed wires but did not report the issue immediately due to being busy, acknowledging that it should have been reported to maintenance right away. The Maintenance Assistant admitted to previously repairing the cord with tape but was unaware of further issues, while the Maintenance Director stated that taping over exposed wires was not an appropriate repair and that the bed or control should have been replaced if a proper repair could not be made. The facility's policies and procedures, as well as the bed frame manual, require that equipment be maintained in a safe and operable manner, with repairs performed only by authorized personnel and damaged electrical components not to be used. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's policy was not followed in this instance, as equipment issues are to be reported immediately to ensure a safe and homelike environment for residents.