Failure to Ensure Resident Access to Operable Overhead Light Control
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to reasonably accommodate a resident’s preference and ability to control her overhead light. The cognitively intact resident was observed in bed with the overhead light on, and there was no pull string attached to the wall-mounted light located behind her head, leaving her unable to operate it. The resident reported that the string had been broken since her admission in December, that she slept with the light on all night and could sleep fine that way, but that she would like the option to turn the light off. She stated she did not recall submitting any grievances, reporting the issue to staff, or asking staff to turn the light off. The Maintenance Director confirmed during a room observation that there was no way for the resident or staff to turn the overhead light on or off, including at night, and that there were no open work orders for that hall. He stated the light issue was a simple fix and noted he had replaced other lights on the hall but not this one because the room was planned to be converted to an office. The NA who typically worked the hall stated she routinely asked residents if they wanted the light on or off and would notify Maintenance if there was a problem, but she was not aware the resident lacked a string or a way to control the light and had not noticed the broken string; the resident had not informed her of the issue. The DON and Administrator both reported they were unaware of the problem, had received no complaints from the resident, and indicated that many residents sleep with a light on, so staff may not have immediately noticed that residents were unable to turn off their lights.
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