Non-Functioning Call Light System in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's call light system was found to be non-functional during multiple observations. The call light, when activated, did not trigger any audible or visual alerts at the nurse's station or on the unit's electronic marquee, preventing staff from being notified of the resident's need for assistance. This malfunction was confirmed by both a registered nurse and a certified nursing assistant, who acknowledged that the call light should have been fully operational but was not. Further interviews revealed that the certified nursing assistant intended to notify maintenance of the issue, but the Director of Nursing was not made aware of the malfunction. According to facility policy, such malfunctions should be reported to the charge nurse and then to maintenance. Additionally, while the call light was out of service, staff were expected to conduct 30-minute safety rounds for the affected resident, but these rounds were not being performed. The deficiency was limited to one resident among those observed for call light functionality.