Failure to Maintain Safe Electrical Equipment in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain mechanical and electrical equipment in safe operating condition for two residents. For one resident with a stage 4 pressure ulcer and multiple complex diagnoses, the bed controller cord was observed to have exposed wires. The resident was alert and able to communicate, and the exposed wires were noted during a staff observation. The treatment nurse confirmed the presence of exposed red, green, yellow, white, and black wires and stated that maintenance should have been notified immediately, as exposed wires could lead to resident injury. The Director of Nursing (DON) also confirmed that staff should identify and report such hazards during their rounds. For another resident with dementia, intellectual disabilities, and aphasia, the bed remote control cord was found to have frayed wires measuring 12 inches long. This resident was assessed as having the capacity to understand and make decisions and was at high risk for falls. The frayed wires were observed during a staff interview, and the LVN present acknowledged that such a condition could result in accidental electrocution. The DON reiterated that staff are expected to identify and report hazards like frayed wires to the maintenance department for immediate replacement. A review of the facility's maintenance policy indicated that the maintenance department is responsible for ensuring all equipment, including electrical cords in resident rooms, is kept in a safe and operable manner at all times. Despite this policy, the deficiencies were observed and confirmed by both nursing and administrative staff, indicating a failure to follow established procedures for equipment safety and maintenance.