Nursing Home Abuse News

Smoking Memo Urges Facility Operators To Protect Against Fire Risks

Nursing and adult care home operators will receive a memorandum in the mail this week encouraging them to guard against the risk of fire due to smoking of residents and patients in their licensed homes.

The memorandum is a re-issuance with minor updates of a previous memo sent out June 28, 2004. A March 12 fire killed one resident and injured 21 others in an adult care home in Mocksville. Davie County fire authorities attributed the fire to a resident smoking in her room, while oxygen was being administered through a nasal tube, or cannula.

“ Rules clearly state that smoking is not to occur in a resident’s room, and approved smoking areas must be a safe distance from oxygen tanks,” said Jeff Horton, chief operating officer for the N.C. Division of Facility Services. “We hope to remind all facility operators how critical it is that fire safety requirements are followed.”

North Carolina licenses 635 adult care homes, 644 family care homes and 392 nursing homes, providing residential and medical care services to tens of thousands of residents and patients. The facilities are the workplace for thousands of care givers and staff, and they receive thousands of daily visitors. Read more at dhhs.state.nc.us.

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	Did You Know?
	Anyone can report nursing home abuse and neglect. Anyone can and should report abuse and neglect. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to abuse or neglect a resident. If you suspect abuse or neglect, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and report the allegation immediately. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident. Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.