Failure to Maintain Functional Call Light System on Second Floor
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the resident call light system was functioning properly on the second floor, affecting 64 residents. During the investigation, a constant beeping sound was observed near the nurse's station, and staff members, including an RN and a CNA, reported that the malfunctioning system made it impossible to determine which resident was calling for help. The CNA further explained that the lights outside patient rooms did not always illuminate when a call was made, requiring staff to physically check each room to identify who needed assistance. Housekeeping staff were unaware of the issue and unable to disarm the alarm, while the Maintenance Director stated he was not informed of the malfunction. Facility policy requires a working call system to allow prompt staff response to resident calls and to ensure the system is in proper working order. Despite this, the malfunction persisted, with staff indicating that unresolved call alarms could result in resident calls being ignored. The facility census confirmed that 64 residents resided on the affected floor at the time of the deficiency.