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Edition 11: November 1, 2024

The Healthcare Quality "FYI Friday" newsletter is for the regulated community meant to proactively provide tips and reminders about resources and regulations. View previous editions on our website.

If the administrator is going to be out of the facility and not accessible, there must be a staff member designated in writing to act in the administrator’s absence. The document must include a listing of the lines of authority by position title and the names of the persons filling the positions.


The designee must be familiar with the facility and have access to the facility and all documents, especially at the time of an inspection and/or investigation. Operations of the facility must be able to continue as if the administrator was present.

REMINDER:


Nursing Home facilities must send in Accident/Incidents and Facility reported incidents via the Fax number 803-545-4292.


Find Nursing Home documents and information here.

As cold weather rapidly approaches, the Fire & Life Safety Section wants to remind all facilities to properly maintain their fire sprinklers.


The codes and standards require that all Fire Protection systems be maintained in proper working order, including protecting fire sprinkler systems from freezing temperatures. Fire sprinkler systems may not be taken out of service as protection from freezing. Water-filled piping shall be maintained at a minimum temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) and not exposed to freezing conditions. Dry pipe fire sprinkler systems may also freeze if the system has not been properly drained.


We urge all facilities to prepare for freezing temperatures now.It will help you avoid costly repairs later.


As always, contact the Fire & Life Safety Section if you have questions.


(SCFC 311.2.2, NFPA 25)

Healthcare Quality

S.C. Department of Public Health

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