HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and document review the critical access hospital (CAH) failed to ensure arrangements for emergency water were readily available in the event of an emergency and/or disruption of supply. This had the potential to affect all patients, staff and services provided in the facility.

Findings include:

The CAH policy for Emergency Water Resources with a revision date of 01/2014, indicated the backup water supply would be obtained by the City of Granite Falls. The amount of 1,500 gallons of non-potable (non-drinking) water with the capability of refilling when needed, would be requested for emergency's. The policy further indicated the facility would contact Dave's Electric Motor Company to request up to 35 five gallons of potable (drinking) water, or more as needed. Although the policy identified the projected needs for the facility's departments, it did not include a written agreement with these resources to ensure the water would be available when needed.

Interview with the maintenance director on 1/29/14 at 1:00 p.m., verified there was no written agreement with the City of Granite Falls nor with Dave's Electric Supply to guarantee water would be available for emergency situations. The maintenance director indicated the agreements had been verbal and was unable to recall the last contact made with the entities regarding this matter. The maintenance director stated he thought it may have been a few years and that the CAH should re-contact the water suppliers to ensure the agreements remained valid.