Non-Functioning Bathroom Call System Identified During Survey
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident reported falling in the bathroom and being unable to activate the call system by pulling the cord, as the cord was stuck and not functioning. The resident had to yell and physically maneuver to the wall switch to activate the call bell. During observation, the surveyor confirmed that the bathroom call cord was not working as intended; pulling the cord did not activate the call light, and the switch had to be manually slid to trigger the alert. The cord was observed to be hanging approximately 2 inches from the floor, with the switch located 40 inches from the floor. Additional testing by an LPN confirmed that the call cord in this bathroom was not functional, while cords in other rooms worked properly. The deficiency was further substantiated when the Nursing Home Administrator was unable to activate the call light by pulling the cord and acknowledged the malfunction. Despite being informed of the issue, a follow-up observation two days later revealed that the call cord was still not functioning. Audit records reviewed during the survey also indicated that other rooms had call devices with missing batteries, which were subsequently replaced. The ongoing malfunction of the bathroom call system in the resident's room was confirmed by both the surveyor and facility staff.