North Valley Health Center

“POSTING OF SIGNS CFR(s): 489.20(q) [The provider agrees,] in the case of a hospital as defined in §489.24(b), to post conspicuously in any emergency department or in a place or places likely to be noticed by all individuals entering the emergency department, as well as those individuals waiting for examination and treatment in areas other than traditional emergency departments (that is, entrance, admitting area, waiting room, treatment area) a sign (in a form specified by the Secretary) specifying the rights of individuals under section 1867 of the Act with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor; and to post conspicuously (in a form specified by the Secretary) information indicating whether or not the hospital or rural primary care hospital (e.g., critical access hospital) participates in the Medicaid program under a State plan approved under Title XIX. This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 27955 Based on observation, interview, and document review, the critical access hospital (CAH) failed to ensure signage pertaining to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) was posted in all areas likely to be noticed by patients entering the Emergency Department (ED). This had the potential to affect all patients presenting to the ED seeking care and treatment via the ambulance entrance and patient entrance. Findings include: On 9/16/25 at 9:30 a.m., a tour of the emergency department (ED) was conducted with registered nurse (RN)-A. During the tour, RN-A identified an entrance where most patients who arrived via ambulance or other vehicle, entered the facility. This area lacked posted EMTALA signage RN-A acknowledged there was no signage posted in this area. On 9/17/25 at 11:006 a.m., a tour with RN-B of the entrances that a patient might gain access to the ED revealed there were no signs posted in the ambulance bay entrance or the ED entrance. RN-B acknowledge there was no signage posted in those areas. A facility policy ER EMTALA Transfer Policy and Procedure, dated August 2011, identified an information sign is posted the Emergency Room entrance indicating the rights of all individuals to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and labor, and to inform them that NVHC does participate in the Medicaid Program.”

“LIFE SAFETY FROM FIRE CFR(s): §485.623(c) Standard: Life Safety From Fire (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section: (i) The CAH must meet the applicable provisions and must proceed in accordance with the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101 and Tentative Interim Amendments TIA 12-1, TIA 12-2, TIA 12-3, and TIA 12-4.) (ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, corridor doors and doors to rooms containing flammable or combustible materials must be provided with positive latching hardware. Roller latches are prohibited on such doors. This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 40948 Based on observation, interview and document review, the critical access hospital (CAH) was found to be out of compliance with Life Safety Code requirements. These findings have the potential to affect all patients in the hospital. Findings include: Please refer to the Life Safety Code inspection tags: K321, 5372, K761, K901, K 912, K918, K923 for additional information.”

“EP Program Patient Population CFR(s): §403.748(a)(3), §416.54(a)(3), §418.113(a)(3), §441.184(a)(3), §460.84(a)(3), §482.15(a)(3), §483.73(a)(3), §483.475(a)(3), §484.102(a)(3), §485.68(a)(3), §485.542(a)(3), §485.625(a)(3), §485.727(a)(3), §485.920(a)(3), §491.12(a)(3), §494.62(a)(3). [(a) Emergency Plan. The [facility] must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be reviewed, and updated at least every 2 years. The plan must do the following:] (3) Address [patient/client] population, including, but not limited to, persons at-risk; the type of services the [facility] has the ability to provide in an emergency; and continuity of operations, including delegations of authority and succession plans.** *[For LTC facilities at §483.73(a):] Emergency Plan. The LTC facility must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be reviewed, and updated at least annually. The plan must do all of the following: (3) Address resident population, including, but not limited to, persons at-risk; the type of services the LTC facility has the ability to provide in an emergency; and continuity of operations, including delegations of authority and succession plans. *NOTE: [“Persons at risk” does not apply to: ASC, hospice, PACE, HHA, CORF, CMCH, RHC/FQHC, or ESRD facilities.] This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 40948 Based on interview and document review, the facility Emergency Management Plan (EMP) undated, failed to address the patient population including, but not limited to, patients most at-risk; the type of services the facility has the ability to provide in an emergency and continuity of operations that could be provided to those patients most at risk. This had the potential to affect all patients residing in the hospital service area. Findings include: During an interview on 8/21/24 at 2:00 p.m., the director of nursing identified the EMP did not identify the patient population they served. Review of the facility Emergency Management Plan policy dated 4/2022, lacked identification of the patient population the facility served.”

“Roles Under a Waiver Declared by Secretary CFR(s): §403.748(b)(8), §416.54(b)(6), §418.113(b)(6)(C)(iv), §441.184(b)(8), §460.84(b)(9), §482.15(b)(8), §483.73(b)(8), §483.475(b)(8), §485.542(b)(7), §485.625(b)(8), §485.920(b)(7), §494.62(b)(7). [(b) Policies and procedures. The [facilities] must develop and implement emergency preparedness policies and procedures, based on the emergency plan set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, risk assessment at paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and the communication plan at paragraph (c) of this section. The policies and procedures must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years [annually for LTC facilities]. At a minimum, the policies and procedures must address the following:] (8) [(6), (6)(C)(iv), (7), or (9)] The role of the [facility] under a waiver declared by the Secretary, in accordance with section 1135 of the Act, in the provision of care and treatment at an alternate care site identified by emergency management officials. *[For RNHCIs at §403.748(b):] Policies and procedures. (8) The role of the RNHCI under a waiver declared by the Secretary, in accordance with section 1135 of Act, in the provision of care at an alternative care site identified by emergency management officials. This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 40948 Based on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure their emergency preparedness plan (EPP) included policies and procedures to address and identify the facility’s role under a waiver declared by the Secretary, in accordance with section 1135 of the Social Security Act (Act), in the provision of care and treatment at an alternate care site identified by emergency management officials during an emergency. This had the potential to affect all patients residing in the critical access hospital (CAH). Findings include: During an interview on 8/21/24 at 2 p.m., the director of nursing (DON) stated she was not aware of the availability of a waiver declared by the Secretary, in accordance with section 1135 of the ACT. The facility’s Emergency Management Plan policy dated 4/2022, lacked any reference to the availability of a waiver as needed declared by the Secretary, in accordance with section 1135 of the Act.”

“FIRE SAFETY An annual Life Safety recertification survey was conducted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal Division on 08/21/2024. At the time of this survey, North Valley Health Center was found not in compliance with the requirements for participation in Medicare/Medicaid at 42 CFR, Subpart 483.70(a), Life Safety from Fire, and the 2012 edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code (LSC), Chapter 19 Existing Health Care and the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code. THE FACILITY’S POC WILL SERVE AS YOUR ALLEGATION OF COMPLIANCE UPON THE DEPARTMENT’S ACCEPTANCE. YOUR SIGNATURE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FIRST PAGE OF THE CMS-2567 FORM WILL BE USED AS VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE. UPON RECEIPT OF AN ACCEPTABLE POC, AN ONSITE REVISIT OF YOUR FACILITY MAY BE CONDUCTED TO VALIDATE THAT SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS HAS BEEN ATTAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR VERIFICATION. PLEASE RETURN THE PLAN OF CORRECTION FOR THE FIRE SAFETY DEFICIENCIES (K-TAGS) TO: IF PARTICIPATING IN THE E-POC PROCESS, A PAPER COPY OF THE PLAN OF CORRECTION IS NOT REQUIRED. Healthcare Fire Inspections State Fire Marshal Division 445 Minnesota St., Suite 145 St. Paul, MN 55101-5145, OR By email to: FM.HC.Inspections@state.mn.us THE PLAN OF CORRECTION FOR EACH DEFICIENCY MUST INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: 1. A detailed description of the corrective action taken or planned to correct the deficiency. 2. Address the measures that will be put in place to ensure the deficiency does not reoccur. 3. Indicate how the facility plans to monitor future performance to ensure solutions are sustained. 4. Identify who is responsible for the corrective actions and monitoring of compliance. 5. The actual or proposed date for completion of the remedy. 02 main building 2013, 1-story, no basement Type II (000) Fully sprinkler protected. Manuel fire alarm system with corridor smoke detection and smoke detection in sleeping rooms. 2-Hour fire barrier between hospital and connecting link to Good Samaritan Society Center. The facility has a capacity of 24 beds and had a census of 3 at the time of the survey. The requirements at 42 CFR, Subpart 483.70(a), are NOT MET as evidenced by:”

“Hazardous Areas - Enclosure CFR(s): NFPA 101 Hazardous Areas - Enclosure Hazardous areas are protected by a fire barrier having 1-hour fire resistance rating (with 3/4 hour fire rated doors) or an automatic fire extinguishing system in accordance with 8.7.1 or 19.3.5.9. When the approved automatic fire extinguishing system option is used, the areas shall be separated from other spaces by smoke resisting partitions and doors in accordance with 8.4. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing and permitted to have nonrated or field-applied protective plates that do not exceed 48 inches from the bottom of the door. Describe the floor and zone locations of hazardous areas that are deficient in REMARKS. 19.3.2.1, 19.3.5.9 Area Automatic Sprinkler Separation N/A a. Boiler and Fuel-Fired Heater Rooms b. Laundries (larger than 100 square feet) c. Repair, Maintenance, and Paint Shops d. Soiled Linen Rooms (exceeding 64 gallons) e. Trash Collection Rooms (exceeding 64 gallons) f. Combustible Storage Rooms/Spaces (over 50 square feet) g. Laboratories (if classified as Severe Hazard - see K322) This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 45748 Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to maintain their smoke barrier per NFPA 101 (2012 edition), Life Safety Code, sections 19.3.7.3, 8.5.6.5 and 8.5.6.2. These deficient findings could have a widespread impact on the residents within the facility. Findings include: On 08/21/2024, between 0800am and 12:00pm, it was revealed by observation that there was a hold-open device on the fire doors leading out of the Procedure Entrance. This device defeats the self-closing device on the Fire Wall Doors. An interview with the Maintenance Manager verified these deficient findings at the time of discovery.”

“Subdivision of Building Spaces - Smoke Barrie CFR(s): NFPA 101 Subdivision of Building Spaces - Smoke Barrier Construction 2012 EXISTING Smoke barriers shall be constructed to a 1/2-hour fire resistance rating per 8.5. Smoke barriers shall be permitted to terminate at an atrium wall. Smoke dampers are not required in duct penetrations in fully ducted HVAC systems where an approved sprinkler system is installed for smoke compartments adjacent to the smoke barrier. 19.3.7.3, 8.6.7.1(1) Describe any mechanical smoke control system in REMARKS. This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 45748 Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to maintain their smoke barrier per NFPA 101 (2012 edition), Life Safety Code, sections 19.3.7.1, 19.3.7.3, 8.5.2.2, and 8.5.6.5. These deficient findings could have a widespread impact on the residents within the facility. Findings include: On 08/21/2024, between 0800am and 12:00pm, it was revealed by observation that there was a penetration running from one smoke compartment to another above doors in the following areas; 1) Above doors to link 2) Above doors area E to Area F 3) Above doors by room F113 Imaging waiting area 4) Above doors at Emergency Room entrance 5) Above doors at entrance to Patient Therapy An interview with the Maintenance Manager verified these deficient findings at the time of discovery.”

“Maintenance, Inspection & Testing - Doors CFR(s): Maintenance, Inspection & Testing - Doors Fire doors assemblies are inspected and tested annually in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Non-rated doors, including corridor doors to patient rooms and smoke barrier doors, are routinely inspected as part of the facility maintenance program. Individuals performing the door inspections and testing possess knowledge, training or experience that demonstrates ability. Written records of inspection and testing are maintained and are available for review. 19.7.6, 8.3.3.1 (LSC) 5.2, 5.2.3 (2010 NFPA 80) This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 45748 Based on a review of available documentation and staff interview, the facility failed to inspect fire doors per NFPA 101 (2012 edition), Life Safety Code section 8.3.3.1, and NFPA 80 (2010 edition), Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, section 5.2.1. This deficient finding could have a widespread impact on the residents within the facility. Findings include: On 08/21/2024, between 0800am and 12:00pm, it was revealed by review of available documentation the required annual door inspection documentation was not available at the time of the survey. An interview with the Maintenance Manager verified these deficient findings at the time of discovery. Based on a review of available documentation and staff interview, the facility failed to inspect fire doors per NFPA 101 (2012 edition), Life Safety Code section 8.3.3.1, and NFPA 80 (2010 edition), Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, section 5.2.1. This deficient finding could have a widespread impact on the residents within the facility. Findings include: On 08/21/2024, between 0800am and 12:00pm, it was revealed by observation that the following fire doors and/or fire door frames were missing or painted over door rating tags. 1) Fire doors leading to Physical Therapy area. An interview with the Maintenance Manager verified these deficient findings at the time of discovery.”

“Fundamentals - Building System Categories CFR(s): NFPA 101 Fundamentals - Building System Categories Building systems are designed to meet Category 1 through 4 requirements as detailed in NFPA 99. Categories are determined by a formal and documented risk assessment procedure performed by qualified personnel. Chapter 4 (NFPA 99) This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 45748 Based on a review of available documentation and staff interview, the facility has failed to provide a complete facility Risk Assessment per NFPA 99 (2012 edition), Health Care Facilities Code, section 4.1. This deficient finding could have a widespread impact on the residents within the facility. Findings include: On 08/21/2024, between 0800am and 12:00pm, It was revealed during documentation review and an interview with the Environmental Services that the utility risk assessment document could not be provided at the time of the survey. An interview with the Maintenance Manager verified these deficient findings at the time of discovery.”

“Electrical Systems - Receptacles CFR(s): NFPA 101 Electrical Systems - Receptacles Power receptacles have at least one, separate, highly dependable grounding pole capable of maintaining low-contact resistance with its mating plug. In pediatric locations, receptacles in patient rooms, bathrooms, play rooms, and activity rooms, other than nurseries, are listed tamper-resistant or employ a listed cover. If used in patient care room, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are listed. 6.3.2.2.6.2 (F), 6.3.2.2.4.2 (NFPA 99) This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 45748 Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to maintain the electrical system per NFPA 101 (2012 edition), Life Safety Code, section 9.1.2, and NFPA 70 (2011 edition), National Electrical Code, section 406.6. This deficient finding could have an isolated impact on the residents within the facility. Findings include: On 08/21/2024, between 0800am and 12:00pm, it was revealed by observation that there was a missing cover on an electrical junction box in the ceiling near the Visitors Lounge. An interview with the Maintenance Manager verified these deficient findings at the time of discovery.”

“Electrical Systems - Essential Electric Syste CFR(s): NFPA 101 Electrical Systems - Essential Electric System Maintenance and Testing The generator or other alternate power source and associated equipment is capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. If the 10-second criterion is not met during the monthly test, a process shall be provided to annually confirm this capability for the life safety and critical branches. Maintenance and testing of the generator and transfer switches are performed in accordance with NFPA 110. Generator sets are inspected weekly, exercised under load 30 minutes 12 times a year in 20-40 day intervals, and exercised once every 36 months for 4 continuous hours. Scheduled test under load conditions include a complete simulated cold start and automatic or manual transfer of all EES loads, and are conducted by competent personnel. Maintenance and testing of stored energy power sources (Type 3 EES) are in accordance with NFPA 111. Main and feeder circuit breakers are inspected annually, and a program for periodically exercising the components is established according to manufacturer requirements. Written records of maintenance and testing are maintained and readily available. EES electrical panels and circuits are marked, readily identifiable, and separate from normal power circuits. Minimizing the possibility of damage of the emergency power source is a design consideration for new installations. 6.4.4, 6.5.4, 6.6.4 (NFPA 99), NFPA 110, NFPA 111, 700.10 (NFPA 70) This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 45748 Based on a review of available documentation and staff interview, the facility failed to install and maintain generators per NFPA 99 (2012 edition), Health Care Facilities Code, section 6.4.4.1.1.3, 6.4.1.1.16.2 and 6.4.1.1.17, and NFPA 110 (2010 edition), Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, sections 8.4.9, 8.4.9.1, 8.4.9.2 and 8.4.9.5.1. These deficient findings could have a widespread impact on the residents within the facility. Findings include: On 08/21/2024, between 0800am and 12:00pm, it was revealed by a review of available documentation of the emergency generator maintenance and testing that the facility could not provide documentation that a 36 month four (4) hour load bank test had been performed. An interview with the Maintenance Manager verified these deficient findings at the time of discovery.”

“Gas Equipment - Cylinder and Container Storag CFR(s): NFPA 101 Gas Equipment - Cylinder and Container Storage Greater than or equal to 3,000 cubic feet Storage locations are designed, constructed, and ventilated in accordance with 5.1.3.3.2 and 5.1.3.3.3. >300 but <3,000 cubic feet Storage locations are outdoors in an enclosure or within an enclosed interior space of non- or limited- combustible construction, with door (or gates outdoors) that can be secured. Oxidizing gases are not stored with flammables, and are separated from combustibles by 20 feet (5 feet if sprinklered) or enclosed in a cabinet of noncombustible construction having a minimum 1/2 hr. fire protection rating. Less than or equal to 300 cubic feet In a single smoke compartment, individual cylinders available for immediate use in patient care areas with an aggregate volume of less than or equal to 300 cubic feet are not required to be stored in an enclosure. Cylinders must be handled with precautions as specified in 11.6.2. A precautionary sign readable from 5 feet is on each door or gate of a cylinder storage room, where the sign includes the wording as a minimum “CAUTION: OXIDIZING GAS(ES) STORED WITHIN NO SMOKING.” Storage is planned so cylinders are used in order of which they are received from the supplier. Empty cylinders are segregated from full cylinders. When facility employs cylinders with integral pressure gauge, a threshold pressure considered empty is established. Empty cylinders are marked to avoid confusion. Cylinders stored in the open are protected from weather. 11.3.1, 11.3.2, 11.3.3, 11.3.4, 11.6.5 (NFPA 99) This Standard is not met as evidenced by: 45748 Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to store oxygen cylinders per Health Care Facilities Code NFPA 99 (2012 Edition), sections 11.3.2.3, 11.6.5.2 and 11.6.5.3. These deficient findings could have a widespread impact on the residents within the facility. Findings include: On 08/21/2024, between 0800am and 12:00pm, it was revealed by observation that T size oxygen cylinders stored in the Ambulance Bay that are not in a approved fir rated enclosure. An interview with the Maintenance Manager verified these deficient findings at the time of discovery.”