Failure to Consistently Verify Emergency Crash Cart and AED Readiness
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to consistently ensure the readiness of the nurse’s emergency crash cart, including the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). During an observation and review of the crash cart with an RN, it was reported that night shift nursing staff were responsible for daily checks of the emergency equipment, including inspection for outdated supplies and verification of AED readiness. The facility’s Crash Cart Daily Check Off Log listed 28 items to be checked daily, with a space for nurse initials to confirm the cart’s readiness. Record review of the logs from November 2025 through early February 2026 showed that on 62 days the crash cart’s readiness was not verified by nursing staff. The logs contained multiple gaps of 3 to 5 consecutive days without checks, as well as one gap of 11 days and another of 8 days during which no nurse documented verification of the cart and AED readiness. Job descriptions for RNs and LPNs indicated responsibilities that included ensuring supplies and equipment are maintained in a safe manner, maintaining inventory and supplies, and assisting with or instituting emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in residents. As of the survey exit date, no additional information was provided by the facility regarding these missed checks.
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