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FORREST CITY MEDICAL CENTER
Fire Alarm System - Out of Service
Tag No.: K0346
Based on interview, it was determined the facility failed to report the failure of the fire alarm system for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. The failed practice had the potential to affect all patients, visitors, and staff because it could not be assured that the appropriate action would be taken in the event of a fire for two of two buildings. Findings follow:
A. During an interview on 01/30/18 at 12:50 PM, the Director of Plant Operations stated that the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), which controls the facility's fire alarm system, was disabled as the result of a power surge the facility experienced on 01/17/18. However, the incident was not reported to the Arkansas Department of Health, Health Facility Services Section as required.
Referenced code: NFPA 101; 2012 edition, Section 9.6.1.6