Medication Refrigerator Not Connected to Critical Branch and EES Maintenance Documentation Lacking
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that electrical receptacles serving medication preparation areas, specifically those used for medication refrigerators, were connected to the critical branch of the Essential Electrical System (EES) and were not distinctly marked as required by NFPA 99. During a fire safety tour, it was observed that a medication refrigerator was not plugged into a receptacle powered by the critical branch, and the required distinctive color or marking was absent. This deficiency was acknowledged by the Regional Maintenance Director during the observation and was reviewed with facility leadership at the exit conference. Photographic evidence was obtained to document the finding. Additionally, the facility did not maintain proper documentation for the maintenance and testing of the EES, including the generator and associated equipment. Required records for weekly inspections, monthly load exercises, and other scheduled maintenance activities were not provided during the record review with the Regional Director of Plant Operations. The lack of documentation means that the facility could not demonstrate compliance with NFPA 99, NFPA 110, and related standards for ensuring the reliability of emergency power systems. These deficiencies affect all residents who receive refrigerated medications from the affected medication room, as well as all residents and staff who rely on the facility's emergency electrical systems. The findings were based on direct observation, staff interviews, and record reviews conducted by surveyors during the inspection.
Plan Of Correction
Corrective Action for Affected Residents: The room medication refrigerator will be correctly tied into critical branch breaker to ensure it is supplied by the critical branch of the essential electrical system along with a distinctly marked critical branch receptacle, ensuring uninterrupted power during normal and emergency conditions for residents receiving refrigerated medications. Identification of Other Residents Potentially Affected: The facility conducted a review of all medication refrigerators and receptacles supplied by the essential electrical system, including medication preparation areas, to verify proper connection to and identification of critical branch power. Measures to Prevent Recurrence: All medication refrigerators will be verified to be connected to and powered by the critical branch. The Maintenance Director was educated on NFPA 99 requirements related to essential electrical system branch identification and medication refrigeration power sources. Monitoring/Quality Assurance: Compliance will be reviewed by the Administrator or designee through the facility's QAPI program, and corrective action will be taken immediately if deficiencies are identified. Corrective Action for Affected Residents: The facility will correct deficiencies related to generator maintenance and testing documentation to ensure the Essential Electrical System (EES) is maintained in accordance with NFPA requirements. Specifically: Weekly generator inspection forms provided by TELs will be updated to include battery voltage readings for both generator batteries. Monthly generator testing forms will be updated to include battery conductance testing for sealed batteries. Monthly generator load testing documentation will reflect testing at a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of nameplate capacity, and a four (4) hour continuous load bank test was completed in [date] and will be conducted annually, with the next test due [date], and annually thereafter. These actions will ensure reliable emergency power is available to protect residents, staff, and essential services. Identification of Other Residents Potentially Affected: The facility will conduct a review of all generator maintenance and testing records to ensure compliance with NFPA 110 requirements, including weekly inspections, monthly testing, battery monitoring, and extended load testing. Measures to Prevent Recurrence: Generator inspection and testing forms provided by TELs will be permanently revised to include required weekly battery voltage readings and monthly battery conductance testing. The four (4) hour load bank test will be scheduled annually, with the next test due [date], and annually thereafter. The Maintenance Director will be educated on NFPA 99 and NFPA 110 requirements related to generator testing, battery monitoring, and documentation. Monitoring/Quality Assurance: Generator logs will be reviewed monthly by leadership and monitored through the QAPI program. Corrective Action for Affected Residents: The room medication refrigerator will be correctly tied into critical branch breaker to ensure it is supplied by the critical branch of the essential electrical system along with a distinctly marked critical branch receptacle, ensuring uninterrupted power during normal and emergency conditions for residents receiving refrigerated medications. Identification of Other Residents Potentially Affected: The facility conducted a review of all medication refrigerators and receptacles supplied by the essential electrical system, including medication preparation areas, to verify proper connection to and identification of critical branch power. Measures to Prevent Recurrence: All medication refrigerators will be verified to be connected to and powered by the critical branch. The Maintenance Director was educated on NFPA 99 requirements related to essential electrical system branch identification and medication refrigeration power sources. Monitoring/Quality Assurance: Compliance will be reviewed by the Administrator or designee through the facility's QAPI program, and corrective action will be taken immediately if deficiencies are identified.