CMS Provides Guidance on the Use of Power Strips in Nursing Homes

CMS issued a Survey and Certification letter (S&C 14-46 LSC) outlining the easing of restrictions on the use of power strips in nursing homes. According to CMS, the increasing need for electrical equipment in health care facilities has resulted in a need for more electrical receptacles in areas where patients receive examination and treatment. As a result, the 1999 NFPA 99 requirements regarding the use of power strips in "patient care areas" has become outmoded and unduly burdensome to providers. By contrast, the 2012 edition of NFPA 99 has extended allowances for use of power strips in "patient care rooms," which replaces the term "patient care area."

Providers that want to take advantage of the categorical waiver must formally elect to use the waiver and must document their election decision. If a provider conforms to the requirements identified for the categorical waiver elected, it will not need to apply specifically to CMS for the waiver, nor will it need to wait until being cited for a deficiency in order to use this waiver. At the entrance conference for any survey assessing LSC compliance, a provider that has elected to use a categorical waiver must notify the survey team of this fact, and that it meets the applicable waiver provisions. The survey team will review the provider's documentation electing to use the categorical waiver and confirm it is meeting all applicable categorical waiver provisions.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832