Failure to Provide Functioning Call Light in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was found without access to a functioning call light in their room. During an initial facility tour, the resident was observed awake and lying in bed, with the call light not within reach. Further inspection revealed that the call light cord had been cut off from the wall panel, leaving the resident without a means to summon staff for assistance. The facility's policy requires that call lights be plugged in and functioning at all times to ensure timely responses to residents' needs. Medical record review showed the resident had severe cognitive impairment but retained upper extremity function and required substantial to maximal assistance for bed mobility, transfers, dressing, and toileting. Interviews with staff confirmed that the resident's call light was not operational and that staff had not noticed or reported the issue prior to its discovery. The maintenance director stated that the maintenance department checks the call light system weekly but had not received any report about this specific call light until the day before the interview.