South Dakota Administrative Rules
Title 44 - Department of Health
Article 44:75 - Hospital, specialized Hospital critical access Hospital, and rural emergency Hospital facilities
Chapter 44:75:13 - Construction Standards
Section 44:75:13:35 - Staff call system
Current through Register Vol. 51, page 43, September 23, 2024
A staff call system shall be provided for patient use to summon assistance from staff. Staff call systems which provide two-way voice communication shall be equipped with an indicating light at each calling station which lights and remains lighted as long as the voice circuit is operating. An emergency calling station convenient for patient use shall be provided at each patient toilet, bath, or shower and at toilets serving patients in laboratory, physical therapy, emergency, and X ray departments. An emergency staff calling station shall be provided for staff use in each operating, delivery, recovery, emergency, and intensive nursing care room and in nurseries, supervised wards for mental patients, and rooms for children.
The system shall be utilized and maintained in such a manner as to ensure that it is a consistent and effective means for a patient to alert staff of the need for assistance. The call stations convenient for patient use shall be provided at each bed, patient toilet, bathing or shower facility used by the patient. The call system shall also meet at least one of the following requirements:
(a) The call system utilizing fixed call stations that are convenient for patient use and activated by a pull cord or other approved device. The fixed system shall actuate a visual signal at the patient room door, and in the clean workroom, soiled workroom, and nourishment station of the nursing unit. In multicorridor nursing units, additional visible signals shall be installed at corridor intersections;
(b) The call system utilizing wireless devices that are convenient for patient use and activated by a pull cord or other approved device. The wireless system shall actuate a visual and audible signal at the staff station and on pocket paging devices carried by all direct care staff. Wireless devices shall be fully supervised, shall be capable of alarm reset at the source, and transmit low battery alert. Wireless devices shall utilize batteries that are readily available; or
(c) Another type of call system that has been submitted for review and approved by the department.
General Authority: SDCL 34-12-13(4) and (14).
Law Implemented: SDCL 34-12-13(4) and (14).
