The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed that the recent increase in K915 citations may be related to surveyors’ access to the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s list of facilities approved to participate in the ventilator program. K-tag 915, Electrical Systems – Essential Electric System Categories, addresses whether resident care areas are served by the appropriate essential electrical system (EES) based on the level of risk that an electrical system failure could pose to residents. Facilities should understand how resident care areas are categorized and ensure the electrical system is appropriate for the care and services provided.
Facilities should review resident care areas with maintenance staff and qualified electrical professionals to verify that the electrical system serving each area is appropriate for its use. Particular attention should be given when adding new services, introducing electrically powered medical equipment, or caring for residents with higher-acuity needs, as changes in how a space is used may affect the applicable electrical system requirements.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has developed a Preventative Maintenance Manual for Long-Term Care Facilities that includes a comprehensive checklist of required preventative maintenance activities, along with the applicable NFPA standards and regulatory requirements. Facilities should use this resource to verify that all required inspections, testing, and maintenance are completed on schedule and appropriately documented.