Improper Storage of Multiple Oxygen Tanks in Resident Room and Restroom
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to keep a resident’s environment free from accident hazards by improperly storing multiple oxygen tanks in and near the resident’s restroom and room. The resident, who had COPD, a history of falls, and was assessed as at risk for falls, was cognitively intact and required setup assistance for toileting hygiene, showering, lower body dressing, and footwear, but was otherwise independent with eating, oral and personal hygiene, and upper body dressing. During observation, surveyors noted three oxygen tanks inside the resident’s restroom and two oxygen tanks just outside the restroom near the wall on the left side of the room. Staff present acknowledged that the resident had many oxygen tanks in the room and restroom. In interviews, an LVN stated that the three oxygen tanks in the restroom and two by the foot of the bed should be removed because they could be a safety hazard for the resident. An RN stated that oxygen tanks not in use should be stored in the oxygen storage room, not in a resident’s room, and that only one oxygen tank for the resident’s use should be in the room, further stating that five oxygen tanks in the room should not be allowed because they are a safety and trip hazard. The DON stated that the five oxygen tanks stored in the resident’s room were a big hazard because the resident could trip, fall, and might hit her head on the oxygen tank, and also described them as a fire hazard that should be stored in the oxygen storage room. Review of facility policies showed that the Fire Safety and Prevention policy prohibited storing oxygen cylinders in any resident’s room or living areas, and the Safety and Supervision of Resident policy stated the facility strives to make the environment as free from accident hazards as possible and that resident safety, supervision, and assistance to prevent accidents are facility-wide priorities.
We Help Long-Term Care Teams Stay Survey-Ready
We process and analyze inspection reports and plan of correction using AI to extract insights and trends so providers can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risks.