<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".48" citation="COMAR 10.07.02.48" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="02" heading="Call Systems.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Call System.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A nurse call system shall be installed and maintained in operating order in all nursing units.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A call system shall be maintained in a manner that will provide visible and audible signal communication between nursing service personnel and residents.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A call station shall provide readily accessible and detachable extension cords to each resident’s bed in the residents’ rooms at all times.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A call system shall have a visible signal above the door of each resident’s bedroom that shall be visible from all parts of the corridor.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>A call system shall provide visual lights at corridor intersections, in multi-corridor nursing units.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>A call system shall be provided in each resident’s bathroom and bathing area in locations accessible to the residents.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>The call system shall enable residents in the rehabilitation area to summon rehabilitation staff.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>The nurses’ call system shall require resetting at the station where the call originates.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Wireless Call Systems.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A call system that uses wireless pagers or other wireless communication devices may be used as an alternative system.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A wireless device shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Be issued to all assigned direct care staff; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Receive signals originating from residents’ bedrooms, bathrooms, bathing areas, and therapy areas.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The use of an approved wireless call system shall eliminate the need to install call light indicators outside the residents’ bedrooms, bathrooms, bathing areas, and therapy areas.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A computer system with a monitor or other electronic display device may be installed to replace the call system annunciator, as long as it reveals the location where the signal originated and sounds an audible alert tone.  Otherwise, a dedicated annunciator connected to the wireless call system will be needed.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>An electrically powered call system shall be connected to the emergency power supply.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>The sounding of the audible signal shall be continuous or intermittent until answered.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>The audible signal may not be turned off at the nursing station.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>The audible signal shall be loud enough to be heard at the nurses’ station.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>