Non-Functioning Call Light System in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to ensure that the call light system in a resident's room was functioning properly. The resident, who had diagnoses including muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and chronic kidney disease, required substantial to maximal assistance from staff for showering, dressing, and toileting hygiene. During an observation, the resident pressed the call light, but it did not emit a sound or display a light outside the doorway, indicating it was not operational. Interviews with staff confirmed that the call light was not working, and there was uncertainty about the frequency of maintenance checks for the call light system. The facility's policies required that the call system remain functional at all times and be routinely maintained and tested by the maintenance department. The maintenance supervisor stated that call lights were checked weekly, but the non-functioning call light in the resident's room was not identified or addressed prior to the surveyor's observation. This failure had the potential to prevent the resident from being able to call for assistance when needed.