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The CMS Interpretive Guidelines and Creating Home



Resident Call System

Below is the full text of the CMS Interpretive Guidelines changes for the tags related to dining.

The CMS Tag Revisions are in red italics.

The CMS interpretive Guidelines beyond dining can be accessed at: 
June 12 2009 CMS Interpretive Guidelines.


§483.70(f) Resident Call System

The nurses' station must be equipped to receive resident calls through a communication system from--
  1. Resident rooms; and

  2. Toilet and bathing facilities.

Interpretive Guidelines: §483.70(f)

This requirement is met only if all portions of the system are functioning (e.g., system is not turned off at the nurses' station, the volume too low to be heard, the light above a room or rooms is not working), and calls are being answered. For wireless systems, compliance is met only if staff who answer resident calls, have functioning devices in their possession, and are answering resident calls.

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