Failure to Maintain Accessible Emergency Exits Creates Immediate Jeopardy
Penalty
Summary
Facility administration, including the Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing (DON), failed to ensure that emergency exit doors were accessible to residents, thereby not allowing egress to the outside during an emergency situation. This was determined through a review of policies, employee job descriptions, observations, and staff interviews. The job description for the Administrator included responsibilities such as maintaining a safe environment and implementing an effective accident prevention program, while the DON was responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and maintaining safe resident care areas. Despite these outlined duties, emergency exit doors were found to be secured shut with zip ties and rolled gauze, preventing their use in emergencies. This failure to maintain accessible emergency exits was observed on specific units and resulted in Immediate Jeopardy to the health and safety of residents. The deficiency was cited under federal and state regulations, specifically referencing F689 (Accidents) and relevant Pennsylvania codes. The report does not mention any specific residents or their medical conditions, but it clearly documents a systemic lapse in administrative oversight and resource allocation necessary to ensure resident safety during emergencies.