Monday, July 11, 2011

Call Buttons

What are the requirements for an emergency call button in a public accessible restroom? Is the requirement different if the restroom is used by patients only? Is the requirement different in a health care occupancy compared to a business occupancy?

The requirements are not the same for different services that may be provided; the level of risk to the patient determines call button location. For example, the requirements for a critical care unit are more stringent than those for a psychiatric care unit. If the answer to your specific question is not in the Guidelines, conduct a risk assessment to determine the placement of a call button. Also, in a business occupancy, the risk assessment may include the physical condition/ability/needs of the persons who may use a public restroom. A final consideration may be the organization’s policy of response in a public setting. (In other words, does the organization provide assistance or contact EMS as first responders to a public occurrence?)

See the AIA Guidelines for Design & Construction of Hospitals and Health Care Facilities, 2001 edition, for specific application of nurse call and call buttons.

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