Nurse Call Systems for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Nurse Call System / Life Safety Equipment FAQs

What is a nurse call system?

At the most basic definition, nurse call systems (or life safety emergency call systems as they are sometimes known) are systems within an ASC (or other healthcare environment) that enable fast communication and alerts for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Some elements of nurse call systems allow patients to call/alert or communicate with nurses for assistance, while others are designed to allow nurses to sound an alert in emergencies or when extra help is required.

Nurse call systems not only ensure compliance, but can also enhance patient safety, improve response times, and contribute to overall quality of care—thereby promoting better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction.

Are nurse call systems required in ambulatory surgery centers?

Nurse Call systems are required in ASCs in most states; the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) makes the final decision about where nurse call systems are required. Your state's Department of Health or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) are likely the AHJs that will outline the requirements of a nurse call system.

Typically, they are required in a patient care area "where patients or residents will be in a condition of not reasonably being able to evacuate themselves in an emergency." This requirement is set forth in NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 18.1.1.1.2 and 3.

Between state and national codes, understanding the exact requirements and ensuring compliance can be tricky. That's why it's best to work with an expert partner who can help you navigate easily misunderstood and overlooked aspects of operational compliance and documentation—to avoid Life Safety Code (NFPA) survey citations.

What are the requirements for nurse call systems in ASCs?

When it comes to nurse call systems requirements, there are two buckets: 1) The standards and requirements (by state and nationally) that require the presence of a nurse call system in an ASC, and what elements are necessary (and where within the center); and 2) Regulations around call system hardware/installation—or UL and NFPA standards. Both can vary by state or city and may change over time. That's why it's best to work with an expert partner who can ensure compliance over time.

What are the essential features of nurse call systems in ASCs?

• Call Buttons to allow patients to request assistance or alert healthcare staff to their needs; these buttons must be within easy reach of the patient and are usually located near beds, in bathrooms, and even in showers. When a patient presses the call button, the system generates an alert—either visual (lights on a console), audible (alarms), or via wearable devices on healthcare staff.
• A nurse station panel or monitoring station is the element of the system where healthcare staff can see and manage patient calls.
• Intercom capabilities are sometimes included to allow patients to speak with nurses more easily before receiving attention.
• Code buttons inside operating rooms and pre-op and post-op bays are typical for nurse call systems in ASCs. These allow nurses and other healthcare staff to alert others of emergencies that require additional help.
• CPU or central processing units are the "brains" of a nurse call system—the computer to which all alert and communication systems are connected.