Failure to Ensure Call Bell Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to reasonably accommodate the needs of a resident by not ensuring the call bell was within reach. The facility's policy, dated November 21, 2024, mandates that call bells should be accessible to residents. A quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment for the resident, dated November 6, 2024, indicated cognitive impairment and dependency on staff for all care needs, with a care plan specifying that the call bell should be within reach due to decreased mobility. On December 16, 2024, at 10:15 a.m., the resident was observed lying in bed, asking for the call bell, which was found in the nightstand drawer, out of reach. A nurse aide confirmed that the resident could use the call bell and it should have been accessible. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that the call bell should have been within reach.
Plan Of Correction
1. Resident number 2's call bell was placed within reach. 2. Staff rounded in facility to ensure resident call bells were within reach. If found, resident call bells were placed within reach. Education provided to nursing staff to ensure call bells are within resident's reach. 3. Director of Nursing or designee will complete audit to ensure resident's call bells are within reach weekly times two weeks and monthly times two months. 4. Results will be reviewed at the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Meeting.