Improper Locking of Courtyard Exit Egress Door
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper exit egress on one of the courtyard exit doors. During an observation on the first floor, surveyors found that the exit gate door leading to the outside courtyard was secured with a combination padlock. This locking arrangement did not comply with NFPA 101 requirements for egress doors, which prohibit locks that require a tool or key from the egress side unless specific special locking arrangements are met. The deficiency was confirmed during an exit interview with the Administrator, Regional, and Local Maintenance Director, who acknowledged that the combination padlock was discovered during the survey. It was also noted that this was the second time within the same calendar year that the issue had been identified by surveyors.
Plan Of Correction
The combo pad lock on the exit gate door was immediately removed. The facility will replace this with a magnetic locking system. Plans for the magnetic locking system will be forwarded to Life Safety Plan Review for approval. The maintenance director will provide education to all staff on proper egress requirements and emergency access. The maintenance director or designated designee will perform weekly audits for 4 weeks and then monthly for 2 months on all egress doors to ensure ongoing compliance. Expected date of completion: 2/18/2026