When Equipment Malfunctions (Inperspective‪)‬

Over the years, nursing homes have been required to provide increasingly complex medical care for their residents. To meet those challenges, the use of sophisticated medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters, defibrillators, mechanical lifts, and electric and specialty beds have become commonplace in most nursing facilities. Because these devices directly affect the resident's health and well-being, safe and reliable performance must be assured throughout the device's lifetime. Even with warranties, many mechanical and electrical parts wear out and fail over time. That's why routine safety inspections are necessary to avoid critical equipment malfunctions that can endanger a resident's life. Please review the following situation and make changes as appropriate in your facility.