Failure to Clear Snow and Maintain Safe Parking Lots and Exits
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the outside environment was free of accident hazards and did not provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents related to snow and ice. Three days after a snowstorm, surveyors observed that the front parking lot, which is used for visitors, transport, and ambulances, was largely impassable. Only one entrance was plowed, and the exit was not plowed, with snow impeding the ability to leave the lot quickly. Sidewalks leading to the building were not shoveled. A second parking area was completely covered with snow, had not been plowed, and vehicles were stuck in the lot. A family member concern documented that the area was a “disaster” with snow, stating that you could not get in or out. During interviews, the NHA reported that the contracted snow removal company never arrived during or after the snowstorm to maintain the grounds and that, as of the survey date, the facility was still in the process of finding a contractor to remove the snow and clear the remaining parking lot and entrance. The NHA stated that only a portion of the lot had been cleared by the local road crew. Later observations showed that the walkways to the Virginia Ave emergency exit and the courtyard emergency exit were not shoveled; although both doors opened, the surrounding areas were not clear for walking. The NHA confirmed that the facility failed to ensure the outside environment was free of potential hazards, failed to evaluate the snow hazard, and failed to implement a plan for snow removal for both parking lots and for two of three exits, several days after the snowstorm ended.
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