K914 covers testing of the electrical receptacles at patient bed locations. It is the second most-cited electrical tag in nursing homes after K920, and it is almost always cited as widespread: 72% of K914 citations were rated scope F. That happens because receptacle testing is usually all-or-nothing. If there is no record, every bed location is out of compliance.

1,773
nursing homes cited under K914 (12.1%)
1,946
K914 citations in three years
37 days
median time to correct
9.4%
of cited facilities were cited for it again on a later survey

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, Nursing Homes, Fire Safety Deficiencies and Provider Information (processed October 1, 2026), Life Safety Code surveys from October 2023 through September 2026. Scope and severity: 13% D (isolated), 12% E (pattern), 72% F (widespread).

What K914 requires

NFPA 99 requires receptacles at patient bed locations to be tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing, and the facility needs a written interval for ongoing testing. Each test checks four things:

TestWhat it checks
Physical integrityCracked faces, loose mounting, damaged contacts
PolarityHot and neutral wired correctly
Ground continuityThe grounding path is intact
Retention forceEach blade holds the plug firmly; NFPA 99 sets a minimum of 115 g (4 oz) per blade

Surveyors cite K914 when the facility can’t produce a record of these tests by room and bed location, when the record is incomplete, or when they find receptacles that are visibly damaged or loose.

Where K914 is cited most

The highest K914 rates were in Maryland (40.3%), Maine (37.2%), Washington (32.1%), Hawaii (30.2%), Nevada (28.8%). Compare your state in the electrical citations report.

How to correct a K914 citation

  1. Test every receptacle at every bed location for integrity, polarity, ground continuity and retention, and log the result by room and bed.
  2. Replace failed receptacles (hospital-grade at bed locations) and re-test them. Log the replacement and the re-test.
  3. Set the interval in writing (many facilities test annually) and assign who owns it.
  4. Keep the log with your PCREE records. Surveyors often ask for K914 and K921 documentation in the same request.

The median facility corrected K914 in 37 days. Receptacle testing and PCREE testing use the same kind of electrical safety analyzer, so many facilities schedule both in one visit. See receptacle testing in patient rooms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a K914 citation?
K914 is the CMS Life Safety Code tag for testing electrical receptacles at patient bed locations (and anesthetizing locations). Nursing homes are cited when they cannot show receptacles were tested for physical integrity, polarity, ground continuity and retention force.
How often do bedside receptacles need to be tested?
NFPA 99 requires testing after initial installation, replacement or servicing. The facility sets the ongoing interval in writing; annual testing is common.
Is K914 receptacle testing part of PCREE testing?
They are separate requirements. PCREE testing (K921) covers the medical devices; K914 covers the wall receptacles. Both use an electrical safety analyzer, so they are often done in the same visit.
Why is K914 usually cited as widespread?
Because the documentation usually covers every bed or none. In CMS data, 72% of K914 citations were rated scope F (widespread).

About the Author

PCREE Test Editorial Team

Content reviewed by biomedical professionals with experience in patient care electrical equipment testing, NFPA 99 compliance, and CMS Life Safety survey preparation for skilled nursing facilities.

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