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.
A family-owned business committed to providing quality intercommunication solutions at competitive prices, supported by conscientious customer service, for the Health Care, Residential, and Commercial markets.
- Ambulatory Surgery Centers
- CCRC / Life Plan
- Skilled Nursing
- Assisted / Independent Living
- Hospitals & Cancer Centers
- Psychiatric & Behavioral Health Facilities
- National Accounts
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 has designed our systems to offer valuable nurse and emergency call capabilities to ASC patients.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), also known as Life Plan Communities, are designed for seniors who are currently living independently, but want the safety and security of being cared for as they age without having to relocate. As a resident’s health declines, he or she may transition from an independent living residence to assisted living, to an intermediate or skilled nursing facility—all on one campus. TekTone offers systems specialized in adapting to the changing needs of CCRCs, while keeping resident’s safety and security a top priority.
A skilled nursing facility (nursing home, convalescent home, care home or rest home) provides a place of residence for those who require continuous nursing attention. Services available in skilled nursing facilities include assistance of nurses, nursing aides and assistants; physical, occupational and speech therapists; social workers, recreational assistants; and living space. In some instances, residents may reside in skilled nursing facilities to receive rehabilitation or other therapy following an illness or accident.
Assisted living / independent living facilities usually have a campus-wide call system so a resident can notify caregivers by initiating a call from a personal pendant or emergency button press/pull. The systems specified for these types of facilities are usually referred to as emergency call systems or personal emergency response systems. Call system requirements in assisted/independent living vary, but may be mandatory in some states. Assisted living facilities may prefer a combination of Tek-CARE wireless and wired technology, with pull-cord stations, call buttons and wireless pendants to ensure staff members are notified efficiently and quickly.
Nurse call systems for hospitals, microhospitals and cancer centers must offer more than the ability for a patient to call for a nurse. These systems are now about total solutions to improving facility performance. Performance is identified as improving efficiency in terms of facility goals (rounding, reducing time to answer calls, tracking staff performance using metrics), improving staff satisfaction, and improving patient satisfaction.
Nurse call systems in high security facilities, such as psychiatric and behavioral health facilities, require the implementation of advanced features to protect against vandalism and to provide accurate monitoring and reporting options.
TekTone‘s National Accounts Program is specifically structured for organizations that have multiple facilities. Whether you are a local, regional or national organization, our national account program provides you with high quality healthcare communications and a world-class service network.
HEALTHCARE
The Tek-CARE platform provides customizable communication solutions for all types of healthcare facilities. TekTone’s wired and wireless nurse call systems provide flexible features and integrations to assist staff members in providing the greatest care for residents. In addition to the safety and security provided by the nurse call system, TekTone also offers the Tek-CARE Wander Management system to help keep at risk residents away from harm and Fall Detection and Monitoring offering peace of mind for caregivers, residents, and their loved ones. With the Alert Integration Manager, these systems can be integrated to display calls at one convenient location, as well as provide customized management reports. Along with reporting, the Tek-CARE Staff App can be used to notify staff on-the-go using iOS or Android devices or display monitors using Tek-CARE TV.
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL
TekTone’s roots lie in the manufacturing and design of apartment entry systems. With multiple station options, custom engraved panels and retrofit capabilities, Tek-ENTRY apartment systems provide a convenient and reliable communication path for residents. Also available is the Tek-SAFE Area of Rescue Assistance System for areas out-of-reach of communication in the event of an emergency.
Where to Buy
TekTone products are available through hundreds of distributors and service providers around the world. Click on Where to Buy to contact your regional manufacturer’s representative or to inquire about your nearest TekTone Elite Partner.
Additional Resources
Hours of Operation
TekTone Production and Shipping department hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.
- Sales department hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.
- Technical Support department hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.
- For technical assistance, contact our Tech Support team.
When you call TekTone, our automated telephone system gives you these dialing options:
• 2 – Sales Department
• 3 – Technical Support
• 4 – Vendor Relations
• 5 – Accounts Payable
• 6 – Accounts Receivable
• 0 – Operator
Technical Support FAQs
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General Questions
If you have questions about Sales, Technical Support, National Accounts, or Systems Design, please click on the link below for our full contact form.
Contact Info
324 Industrial Park Road
Franklin, NC 28734 USA
800.327.8466
828.524.9967
828.524.9968