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Based on observation and interview, the hospital failed to ensure patients received care in a safe setting as evidenced by: 1) failing to have medical gas piping and a vacuum system to service all of the medical needs of the patients; and 2) failing to ensure staff were educated and trained on connecting oxygen concentrators with extension cords to the emergency outlets designated for use during an electrical power outage.

Findings:
A review of the Life Safety Codes Revealed in part:

NFPA 99:5.1 Category 1 Piped Gas and Vacuum Systems.

NFPA 99:5.1.1* Applicability.

NFPA 99:5.1.1.1 These requirements shall apply to health care facilities that require Category 1 systems as referenced in Chapter 4.

NFPA 99:4.1.1* Category 1. Facility systems in which failure of such equipment or system is likely to cause major injury or death of patients or caregivers shall be designed to meet system Category 1 requirements as defined in this code.

1) Observations during tour of the hospital on 05/03/2022 at 9:30 a.m. revealed there was no piped gas and vacuum system to provide critical life supporting treatment for all patients.

In an interview on 05/03/2022 at 09:40 a.m., S1Administrator confirmed that the hospital did not contain piped gas and vacuum system and stated they use oxygen concentrators and portable suction devices.

2) Observations on 05/03/2022 at 9:55 a.m. revealed 24 full E-cylinder oxygen tanks stored in a closet near the nursing station and 7 oxygen concentrators located in various rooms throughout the hospital.

In an interview on 05/03/2022 at 10:10 a.m., S2RN stated they use extension cords and connect the concentrators to the emergency outlets during power outages but was unsure where the extension cords were located.

In an interview on 05/03/2022 at 10:45 a.m., S1Administrator acknowledged the staff was not educated and trained on the location of the extension cords required for use during a power outage.