Failure to Ensure Timely Inspection and Maintenance of Oxygen Concentrators
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that oxygen concentrators used by two residents were inspected annually for function and safety, as required. Both residents had significant respiratory diagnoses, including COPD, CHF, and chronic respiratory failure, and were receiving supplemental oxygen via concentrators. Observations revealed that the inspection stickers on both concentrators indicated the last inspection occurred over a year ago, making them five months overdue for their required annual inspection. Additionally, one concentrator was observed to have a thick covering of dust on its filter. Interviews with facility staff and the oxygen concentrator servicing vendor revealed that the vendor was not provided with a complete list or locations of all concentrators, resulting in some units not being inspected during their visit. The Director of Environmental Services did not accompany the vendor during the inspection, which contributed to the oversight. Maintenance staff were responsible for weekly filter checks, and housekeeping was to monitor filters daily, but the presence of thick dust on one unit indicated this process was not consistently followed. Requested policies on servicing and cleaning oxygen concentrators were not provided by the facility.