Failure to Complete Smoking Assessments and Ensure Accessible Fire Safety Equipment
Penalty
Summary
A review of a resident's records revealed that the facility failed to complete required quarterly smoking and safety assessments for a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, and ongoing tobacco use. The resident's Minimum Data Set indicated a need for supervision with daily activities and current tobacco use, yet only an initial smoking and safety assessment was completed, with no follow-up assessments performed as required by facility policy. The MDS nurse confirmed responsibility for these assessments and acknowledged the omission, which is necessary to ensure appropriate interventions and care planning for residents who smoke. Additionally, during an observation on the smoking patio, the fire extinguisher was found locked in a box, and the staff present did not have access to the key. The activity assistant stated that in the event of a fire, the extinguisher would not be accessible, and she would have to leave the area to retrieve another extinguisher from the kitchen. This lack of immediate access to fire safety equipment on the smoking patio was confirmed by staff and is contrary to facility policy requiring accessible fire safety measures in smoking areas.