Electric Beds 

Policy: 

It is the policy of this facility to maintain engineering controls related to the use of electric beds. All appropriate staff and residents are trained on the operation of our electric beds. 

Staff Education: 

The following staff has been identified as needing training: 

• Physical Plant Department 

• Certified Nurses Assistants 

• Licensed Nursing Staff 

• Housekeeping 

• Therapy Staff 

Procedure: 

General Knowledge: 

• Bed functions can be regulated from the handheld control or the “pendant” graphics present on the outside of the footboard. 

• Before adjusting the bed, check that the area under and near the perimeter of the bed is free of obstructions. 

• Bed should be at the lowest convenient height for resident entry and exit. 

• “Low beds” are used only as care planned related to injury prevention. 

• If a “low bed” is deemed a restraint, the restraint policy and procedure should be followed. Ensure the bed is up enough to lock in place so it doesn’t roll. 

• Beds are adjusted by caregivers as needed to maintain proper body mechanics during tasks. 

• To keep the bed from rolling, raise the bed in the “up” position to lock the bed. Never leave an unlocked bed unattended. Check that the bed is locked in place before allowing the resident to enter or exit the bed. 

• Make sure the bed is plugged into the red electrical outlet. 

• Make sure the function is not locked out unless care planned. 

• Make sure the bed is not restrained from movement. 

Adjusting Height, Head, and Foot of Bed: 

• The pendant allows the caregiver and resident to raise/lower the head and knee of the bed by pressing the up or down arrows associated with this function. 

• The pendant also allows the caregiver and resident to raise or lower the bed by pressing the up or down arrows associated with this function. 

Staff Control Panel: 

• To lock out a function, press the “no pendant” graphic on the footboard. An illuminated red LED indicates that the function is now locked out. 

• To unlock a function, press the “pendant” graphic on the footboard. The red LED light will no longer be illuminated, signaling that the pendant can operate that function. 

To Operate the Easy Lift Leg Positioner: 

• To raise: Grasp the foot end of the bed frame and raise to the desired position. 

• To lower: Grasp the foot end of the bed frame and raise ½ to ¾ inches above the present notch or raise to the highest position, then lower gently. 

Troubleshooting: 

• If the bed doesn’t work: 

• Make sure the bed is plugged in. 

• Check if any functions are locked out on the staff control panel. 

• Notify the Physical Plant Department. 

• If the bed remains in the locked position or if there is a power failure/generator failure with the resident in the bed: 

• Safely transfer via electric lift with multiple staff assistance or provide one-on-one care. 

• Notify the Physical Plant Department. 

Compliance and Documentation: 

• Adhere to CMS guidelines and Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• Document any issues with the electric beds, including the resident’s response and any observations, in their medical record. 

• Regularly review and update techniques for using and troubleshooting electric beds according to the latest clinical best practices and regulatory standards. 

• Provide training to staff on proper electric bed usage and troubleshooting procedures to ensure resident safety and comfort. 

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this policy and address any gaps in practice or documentation. 

References: 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• CMS Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes.