Nonfunctional Bathroom Call Light Systems for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a working call system was available in the bathrooms of two residents. For one resident with a traumatic brain injury and moderately impaired cognition, the bathroom call light box was not attached to the wall, and the pull cord did not function, although the button would activate the light. The resident's friend reported that the box had been fixed previously but broke again, and the resident stated he would yell for help if needed. For another resident with severe cognitive impairment, the bathroom call light box was also not attached to the wall, and the pull cord was nonfunctional, though the button still worked. This resident was unable to be interviewed. Staff interviews revealed that the call lights were noticed to be broken on the morning of the survey, and although there was a maintenance log for reporting such issues, the staff had not yet logged the problem. The Maintenance Director was unaware of one of the broken call lights and stated that repairs could not be completed until parts arrived. In the interim, bells were placed in the bathrooms for emergencies. Facility policy required prompt reporting of defective call lights to the nurse supervisor.