Call Light Response Time Audit

Inspection template for auditing call light activation-to-response times across shifts and units to monitor staffing adequacy, resident safety, and service reliability.

Audit Details

• Unit or care area audited
• Shift audited
• Audit date and time
• Number of call light events reviewed
• Audit method documented
  Confirm whether the audit used direct observation, system logs, resident report, or a combination of methods.

Response Time Measurement

• Average response time
• Longest observed response time
• Percentage of responses within facility target
• Facility target response time met
  Compare measured performance against the facility's established call light response standard.
• Delayed responses documented with timestamps
  For any response exceeding the facility target, record the call time, response time, and reason if known.

Coverage by Shift and Unit

• Response times consistent across units
• Response times consistent across shifts
• Peak delay periods identified
  Identify whether delays cluster during medication pass, meal service, admissions, or other high-demand periods.
• Staffing adequacy concerns noted
  Document whether observed delays suggest inadequate staffing, poor assignment coverage, or workflow bottlenecks.

Resident Safety and Escalation

• Any resident safety risk identified from delayed response
• High-risk call types responded to promptly
  Verify that pain, toileting, fall-risk, respiratory distress, and other urgent requests were prioritized appropriately.
• Escalation used for delayed or unanswered calls
  Confirm that delayed or unanswered call lights were escalated to a charge nurse, supervisor, or designated leader per policy.
• Resident complaints or adverse events linked to call light delay
  Document any complaints, falls, toileting accidents, pain escalation, or other adverse events associated with delayed response.

Documentation and Corrective Action

• Audit findings documented clearly
• Deficiencies assigned corrective actions
  Document the action plan, responsible person, and due date for any non-conformance or critical item failure.
• Follow-up review scheduled
• Inspector comments