Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are health care facilities that offer patients the convenience of having surgeries and procedures performed safely outside the hospital setting. This trend in healthcare is a growing new market and TekTone
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What is UL?
Underwriters Laboratory, more commonly known as UL, is a third-party company that creates and maintains standards for products in the United States and Canada. UL ensures that products are safe for consumer use, ensuring a the highest operation quality.
How are nurse call systems classified in UL?
There are two categories for nurse and emergency call systems: UL 1069 Standard for Hospital Signaling and Nurse Call Equipment and UL 2560 Standard for Emergency Call Systems for Assisted Living and Independent Living Facilities.
Nurse call systems that are UL listed to the 1069 standard are tested to ensure that they will hold up in a busy hospital environment, whereas the 2560 standard is more suited for systems that will be used in similar healthcare environments, but not within the rigorous hospital atmosphere.
Where is a UL listing required for nurse call systems?
UL requirements vary by state in the U.S., but in most cases hospitals will require nurse call systems to be UL 1069 listed, as will most skilled nursing facilities. It is becoming more and more common to see UL listing requirements in senior living facilities as well, beginning with UL 2560. It is best to check with your local governing agencies and/or contractors before making any purchasing decisions.
What is the difference between a skilled nursing and senior living facility?
Skilled nursing facilities include healthcare communities that employ specialized medical staff (doctors, registered nurses, etc.) on-site, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Senior living facilities encapsulate healthcare facilities that do not necessarily require the same level of staffing. This includes assisted and independent living facilities, as well as some types of rehabilitation facilities.
Where can I find out if my nurse call system is UL Listed?
UL’s Product IQ database provides a complete listing of all UL listed systems and products. You can also view the vendor’s website and make note of any references to a UL listing, or request official UL documentation from the vendor about the status of the product’s UL listing.
A UL listed nurse call system can be a powerful tool for instilling confidence to residents and their loved ones that the tools utilized in your health care community will work efficiently in times of need.