Nonfunctional Call Light System in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's call light system failed to function properly in both the bathroom and bathing area. The resident, who had intact cognition and multiple medical diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy, generalized anxiety disorder, delusional disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic pain, epilepsy, and obesity, was unable to activate the call light despite multiple attempts. Observations confirmed that the call light did not activate when pressed, and the issue persisted over multiple checks. A nurse passing medications was notified of the malfunction, and a subsequent attempt by an LPN also confirmed the call light was not working at the bedside. The facility's policy requires staff to report any problems with the call light system immediately and to provide alternative solutions until the issue is resolved. Despite this policy, the resident's call light system remained nonfunctional during the period of observation, and the deficiency was confirmed through interviews and direct observation. The issue affected one of two residents reviewed for call lights, with a facility census of 58.