F0689

E

Portable Space Heater Left Operating in Accessible Hallway

Bloomfield, New Mexico Survey Completed on 01-09-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified a deficiency related to accident hazards when a portable electric space heater was found plugged in and operating in a common hallway accessible to residents. On 01/05/26 at 12:27 pm, the heater was observed positioned directly on the hallway floor next to a vending machine at the front entrance, placed against the wall and immediately adjacent to the vending machine, with a digital display reading 72°F. This location was a common hallway area accessible to residents, including those who walk by the front entrance. During a 01/08/26 interview, the substitute Administrator stated the space heater should not be plugged in and left in the hallway unattended and acknowledged that residents could burn themselves on the heater. In a 01/13/26 interview, the Maintenance Director similarly stated the space heater should not be plugged in, noting that a resident with dementia, characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions such as memory loss and judgment, could get burned on the heater.

The facility’s failure to maintain an environment free of accident hazards was based on the presence and operation of this portable electric space heater in an area accessible to residents, including those with impaired cognition or limited safety awareness.