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Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure that one of four corridors sampled were maintained in an unobstructed condition. The census was eight and the deficient practice would potentially affect all residents.

The findings include:

Observation on August 15, 2011 at 3:21 p.m. revealed items had been placed behind the Hospital Dining Room double doors in the corridor adjacent to the Hatteras nurse's station in the skilled nursing unit. Items which partially obstructed the corridor behind the doors included a "sit-to-stand" Hoyer lift apparatus, an I.V. stand, a crash cart and a CPR backboard that was leaning up against the corridor wall.

These items had been placed there in the corridor by staff and subsequently partially blocked egress access by narrowing the "as built" Hatteras corridor width.. Residents exiting from the Hospital Dining Room through to the Hatteras corridor would be partially blocked and restricted to just one side of the corridor beyond the double doors.

The Maintenance Manager stated on August 15, 2011 at the time of the observation that the items in the corridor had not been placed in the proper storage area/closet next to the nurse's station as was the usual procedure.

The Maintenance Manager and Facility Administrator acknowledged the observation at the exit conference.

National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code 101 reference:

7.1.10 Means of Egress Reliability.
7.1.10.1*
Means of egress shall be continuously maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency.
7.1.10.2 Furnishings and Decorations in Means of Egress.
7.1.10.2.1
No furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof.