Long-Term Care

Report helps SNFs weather power outtages

Contemporary Long-Term Care Weekly, September 12, 2006

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) released a report to help nursing homes prevent sentinel events caused by emergency electrical power system failures. The reports stated power outages can range from minor, such as a local power outage, to a major catastrophe, such as a regional blackout. The report suggested that nursing homes meet with local utility providers and determine whether the existing power system is dependable. The JCAHO report also suggested that nursing homes test the entire emergency power supply system, assess the need for additional portable, truck-mounted generators, and maintain written procedures to keep the facility staff informed on procedures in case of an outage.

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