Failure to Prevent Accident Hazards Due to Spill and Extension Cord in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident who required partial assistance with activities of daily living and was unable to communicate verbally was found in a room with a spill under the bed, which was covered with a sheet, and an extension cord plugged into the wall lying on the floor next to the bed. The resident's medical record indicated cognitive impairment, as evidenced by an incomplete BIMS assessment. During observation, staff were unaware of the presence or purpose of the extension cord, and the RN/Unit Manager acknowledged that extension cords should not be in resident rooms. The Maintenance Director confirmed that extension cords had previously been removed from the room and that staff had been educated on the prohibition of extension cords due to fire and safety hazards, in accordance with NFPA guidelines. These conditions demonstrated a failure to ensure the environment was free from accident hazards and to provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents.