Portable Heater Used in Resident Room Creates Accident Hazard
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to maintain a resident's environment free from accident hazards by using a portable electric heater in a resident's room. The resident involved had severe cognitive impairment, impairment in both upper and lower extremities, was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, and had diagnoses including respiratory failure and anxiety. The resident's care plan indicated a self-care deficit and total dependence on staff. During observation, a portable heater was found running in the resident's room, set to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, with a hose vented to the window and secured by tape, and no staff present in the room. The facility was unable to provide a policy regarding safe environment or accident hazards when requested. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness and oversight regarding the use of the portable heater. An LPN was unsure how long the heater had been in use and had not been instructed to perform additional checks for fire risk. The Maintenance Director stated that the heater was installed as a temporary measure while waiting for repairs to the room's heating system, but acknowledged uncertainty about when it was placed and recognized it should not have been used. The Administrator confirmed awareness of the heater's use as a temporary solution and stated that portable heaters should not be used in resident rooms.