§ 73631. Special Systems.

(a) A nurses' call system shall be maintained in operating order in all nursing units. Nurses' call systems shall be maintained in a manner that will provide visible and audible signal communication between nursing personnel and patients. The minimum requirements are:

(1) A call station or stations providing detachable extension cords to each patient's bed in the patients' rooms. These extension cords shall be readily accessible to patients at all times unless attending physician orders otherwise.

(2) A visible signal in the corridor above the corridor door of each patient's bedroom, visible from all parts of the corridor.

(3) An audible signal and a nurses' call annunciator indicating the room from which the call originates or an alternate system, approved in writing by the Department, shall be located at the nurses' station. The sounding of the audible signal shall be continuous or intermittent until answered.

(b) A nurses' call system shall be provided in each patient's toilet rooms, bathroom and shower room in locations easily accessible to the patients. Electric shock hazard shall be eliminated by grounding or by an equally effective method.

(c) The nurses' call systems shall be so designed as to require resetting at the station where the call originates unless a two-way voice communication component is included in the system.