In response to released guidance for Requirements of Participation (RoP) Phase 3 and updates for Phase 2, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) is providing focused information to help skilled nursing facilities remain in compliance and avoid any failed practice. We give special thanks to the AHCA Survey and Regulatory staff for compiling and distributing this information. Elena Madrid, WHCA's Executive Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, co-chairs the AHCA Survey and Regulatory Committee and is a member of AHCA's Quality Cabinet.
§483.90(g)(1)‐(2) Resident Call System
CMS made changes to §483.90(g)(1)‐(2) Resident Call System. The regulation states the facility must be adequately equipped to allow residents to call for staff assistance through a communication system which relays the call directly to a staff member or to a centralized staff work area from each resident’s bedside and toilet and bathing facilities.
The guidance outlines that the call system must be accessible to residents while in their bed or other sleeping accommodations within the resident’s room. In addition, the call system must be accessible to the resident at each toilet, bath, or shower and should be accessible to a resident lying on the floor.
Action for Facilities:
- Develop a process to routinely ensure the call system for residents is operational.
- Review the process to ensure that during a loss of power, the resident call system will be operational or ensure there is an alternate means of communicating with the staff in place.
- Examine the functionality of the call system to ensure it is accessible to a resident lying on the floor.
Detailed information can be found in the Appendix PP-State Operations Manual. Additionally, as a member of WHCA and AHCA, you can access the Action Brief for §483.90 - Physical Environment. If you have any questions, please email me or call me at (800) 562-6170, extension 105.
