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STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on observation and staff interview during the survey, it was determined that the facility failed to arrange the exit access so that exits are readily accessible at all times in accordance with Life Safety Code 101 Section 19.2.2.2.4, 7.2.1.5.3. This deficient practice could affect all residents, staff and visitors within the facility if the Means of Egress is not maintained throughout the facility. This was evidenced by the following:

Corridor doors were equipped with locking/latching devices were two releasing operation were required to operate the door.

The Director of Maintenance acknowledged the condition of the door during the time of the tour.

Life Safety Code 101 Section 7.2.1.5.3. Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort for operation from the egress side.

STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on observation and staff interviews of the emergency lighting, the facility failed to maintain the battery-powered emergency lights accordance with 7.9.3 and 19.2.9.1. This deficient practice could affect all residents and staff throughout the facility in the event of the loss of primary power. This was evidenced by the following:

No documentation was not available during record review of the facility required testing of the battery-powered emergency lighting system annually for not less than 1 ½ hours

The Maintenance Director acknowledge the required testing of the emergency lighting during the tour of the facility.

7.9.3 Periodic Testing of Emergency Lighting Equipment. A functional test shall be conducted on every required emergency lighting system at 30 day intervals for not less than 30 seconds. An annual test shall be conducted on every required battery-powered emergency lighting system for not less than 1 ½ hours. Equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the test. Written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept by the owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.

STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on record review during the survey, it was determined that the facility failed to conduct fire drills in accordance with the Life Safety Code, Section 19.7.1.2 and 4.7. This deficient practice could affect residents when staff are not trained in the emergency actions required during unusual condition that can occur in an actual emergency. This was evidenced by the following:

Fire drills are required to be conducted on each shift quarterly, the facility failed to conduct a fire drills on all shift in the past year.

The Director of Maintenance acknowledge the conditions of fire drills deficiency during record review of the facility.

Life Safety Code, Section 19.7.1.2 requires, in part, that fire drills be conducted quarterly on each shift to familiarize personnel (nurses, interns, maintenance engineers, and administrative staff) with the signals and emergency action required under varied conditions. When drills are conducted between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am, a coded announcement shall be permitted to be used instead of audible alarms. Section 4.7.5 requires that drills be held unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that can occur in an actual emergency.

STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on record review and staff interview during the course of the survey it was determined that the facility failed to maintain emergency power systems in accordance with section 19.2.9.1 of the Life Safety Code and the referenced 2010 NFPA 110, Section 8.3.7.1 Maintenance and Operational Testing. This deficient practice has the potential to affect all residents, staff and visitors in the event of power loss.
This was evidenced by the following.

At the time of the survey no records were available to verify testing and recording of battery
conductance testing in connection with the emergency power supply system (emergency generator) monthly.

The emergency power supply system deficiency item was discussed with the Director of Maintenance during the survey and again during the exit conference with the Administrator.

NFPA 110, Section 8.3.7. Maintenance of lead-acid batteries shall include the monthly testing and recording of electrolyte specific gravity. Battery conductance testing shall be permitted in lieu of the testing of specific gravity when applicable or warranted.