Are You Equipped to Avoid Citations? You devote a lot of time to making sure that the care your team provides to residents in your facility won't result in a citation when the survey team arrives. However, have you thought about whether the equipment your facility uses could actually be working against your survey preparation efforts? There are a number of F tags that contain guidance related to equipment. Don’t wait to be tagged – be proactive and order new equipment today! F tags with guidance tied to equipment include1: F tag Details F252: Safe/Clean/Comfortable Homelike Environment One way a facility can make itself feel more homelike is by eliminating mass-purchased furniture, drapes and bedspreads that all look alike. F256: Adequate and Comfortable Lighting Levels Extra lighting, such as table and floor lamps that assist residents with tasks such as reading, are part of an adequate lighting design. F314: Proper Treatment to Prevent/Heal Pressure Sores The care plan for a resident at risk of friction or shearing during repositioning might include the use of lifting devices for repositioning. Pressure-redistributing devices for beds and chairs need to be in place, working and used according to the manufacturer's recommendations. F322: Proper Care and Services for the Resident with a Nasogastric Tube If a feeding pump is used, it should be equipped with a functional alarm. F323: Facility is Free of Accident Hazards Devices that are defective or not used properly can be considered accident hazards. F246: Accommodation of Needs and Preferences Furniture and adaptive equipment that enable residents to stand independently, transfer without assistance (e.g., arm supports, correct chair height and depth, firm support) should be made available. Facilities should provide items that promote mobility and independence for residents in going to the bathroom (such as grab bars and elevated toilet seats). F328: Proper Treatment/Care for Special Care Needs A suction machine and catheter should be immediately available in case a resident with a tracheostomy might need them. If a resident is ventilator-dependent, routine maintenance and care need to be performed on the unit. F369: Provides Special Eating Equipment/Utensils A facility must provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them. F454: Physical Environment The facility must install battery-operated smoke detectors and resident rooms and public areas. F456: Essential Equipment in Safe Operating Condition Essential equipment must be in safe operating condition and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. This includes boiler room equipment, nursing unit/medication room refrigerators, kitchen refrigerator/freezer and laundry equipment. F460: Rooms Assure Visual Privacy The resident needs to have a means of completely withdrawing from public view while in bed. This could be a private room, curtains or moveable screens. F461: Rooms Have at Least One Window to Outside The facility must provide each resident with a separate bed of proper size and height for the convenience of the resident as well as a clean, comfortable mattress. F464: Requirements for Dining and Activity Areas Furniture in dining areas needs to be structurally sound and functional. F468: Corridors Have Firmly Secured Handrails Corridors need to be equipped with handrails that are firmly affixed to both sides of the corridor. Reference Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State Operations Manual – Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/manuals/Downloads/som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf. Accessed October 3, 2011. Digital Chair Scale The EMR-compatible Health O Meter Digital Chair Scale was designed to provide patient comfort during the weighing process. Right now, it's also one of our featured Smart Choice™ Equipment Solutions. These specially selected products are offered to our valued customers at promotional pricing that is available for a limited time only. Right now, the Digital Chair Scale is being offered to your facility for just $499, a price that's right in line with what mechanical chair scales typically cost. At this price point, you can afford the convenience that comes with going digital! And since it ships within 48 hours, you can start enjoying it right away. Additional Features: Capacity: 440 lb / 200 kg Resolution: 0.2 lb / 0.1 kg Seat size: 18-1/4" x 14-1/2" x 17-1/2" EMR connectivity via USB 1 1/4" LCD display Two wheels for ease of movement; flip arm and foot rest Two-year limited warranty Product pricing is only visible to registered promedsupply.com customers. If you are not yet registered, one of our Customer Care Professionals will be happy to get you set up. Just give us a call at (800) 648-5190.