Nursing Staff Delay in Answering Call Light in Nursing Homes Causes Fall Injuries
Delay in answering call light – the Albert Lea Good Samaritian society was cited by the Minnesota Department of Health for Neglect of Health Care – Falls when a resident who was at risk for falls had a fall in the early morning because his call light was not answered. Delay in answering call light is a common way that fall injuries occur, since residents often try ambulate without assistance and subsequently fall.
A Delay in Answering Call Light Can Lead to Preventable Injuries or Death
The MDH cites nursing home for delay in answering call light of residents. MDH Minnesota Department of Health Facility and Provider Compliance
NOTE: The following information about the facility and provider is provided by the MDH Website this blog is not a complete list of providers with Substantiated Complaints, the providers highlighted are generally those which focus on the care of disabled or elderly persons.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 626.5572, subd. 19; “Substantiated” means a preponderance of the evidence shows that an act that meets the definition of maltreatment, which is defined subdivision 15, as: means “abuse as defined in subdivision 2, neglect as defined in subdivision 17 or financial exploitation as defined by subdivision 9.”
Although, efforts are made to make accurate links and relayed information, these blogs are examples of neglect and other issues, please double check all information at: MDH Website
Questions regarding Inadequate Number of Staff Which Is Main Cause of Delay in Answering Call Lights:
- How many nursing aides / Registered Nursing Assistants (RNA) were scheduled to work at time of incident?
- How many nursing aides / RNAs were working on the floor?
- What is your normal staff to patient/resident ratio on a shift?
- Were there any temporary workers at time of incident?
- Were any employees working an extra shift due to “sick leave” of other workers? Were all the sick leaves covered?
- Any employees working a double shift?
- Any special circumstances on the floor which required more staff on the date of the incident?
Accidents. The facility must ensure that—(2) Each resident receives adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents. (42 CFR § 483.25 (h))
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from neglect or abuse in a nursing home or other care facility that serves the elderly in Minnesota please contact our firm for a free consultation and information regarding the obligations of the facility and your rights as a resident or concerned family member. To contact Attorney Kenneth L. LaBore, directly please send an email to KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com or call Ken at 612-743-9048.
This website is not intended to provide legal advice as each situation is different and specific factual information must be obtained before an attorney is able to assess the legal questions relevant to your situation.
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