Deficiency in Resident Call System Functionality
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the resident call bell system was fully operational on the Second Floor Nursing Unit. The facility's policy, dated 3/14/25, requires that the call system be both audible and visual, and functional at all times. However, during an observation, it was noted that the central call bells in the A, B, and C halls did not illuminate when resident call bells in their rooms were activated. This issue was confirmed during an interview with the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged that the central call bells were not providing unobstructed visual communication due to the ceiling bulkhead.
Plan Of Correction
This error was corrected within the survey time and the deficient practice has been fixed. Staff will be re-educated by DON on the importance of promptly responding to call bells and reporting any malfunctions immediately. Weekly maintenance checks of the call system will be conducted for eight weeks, with findings reported to the QAPI committee. The DON or designee will complete the weekly checks.