Ray Baum’s Act and Kari’s Law have had significant impacts on the telecommunication systems of hotels, particularly regarding 911 call compliance. This article provides an overview of the Ray Baum’s Act compliance requirements and what hotel owners need to know about their existing PBX systems and PSTN connections.
Overview of Ray Baum’s Act Compliance Requirements
Hotel telecommunication systems installed after February 16, 2020 must comply with Kari’s Law, and after January 6, 2021, with Ray Baum’s Act. When upgrading or replacing a hotel’s voice solution, it’s essential to confirm that the vendor certifies the system as compliant.
Below is a brief summary of the compliance requirements under Ray Baum’s Act.
Key Requirements of Ray Baum’s Act
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirement 1: Dial 911 directly without a prefix or access code | Allows guests to dial 911 directly without needing a prefix (e.g., 9-1-1). |
| Requirement 2: Notify a central location about the 911 call | A notification must be sent to an on-site or off-site location to inform someone of the 911 call. |
| Requirement 3: Provide callback number for direct contact | The PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) should be able to reach the caller directly using a callback number. |
| Requirement 4: Provide dispatchable location to PSAP | Location details, including the specific room, floor, or suite, must be provided to the PSAP. |
| Requirement 5: Callback number not answered by an IVR or attendant | The callback number must not be routed through an automated phone system like IVR or an attendant. |
| Requirement 6: Provide redefined dispatchable location with 911 | The exact civic address plus any relevant details (e.g., room number) must be sent to the PSAP. |
Why Ray Baum’s Act Compliance is Crucial
Before the implementation of Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act, hotel phone systems required guests to dial a prefix (such as “9”) to place calls, including emergency calls. This led to failures in reaching emergency services.
Ray Baum’s Act enhances the accuracy of location information sent to 911 services, ensuring emergency responders can arrive quickly at the correct location. These measures are critical in reducing delays and improving guest safety.
Hotel Phone System and Service Compliance
Hotel phone systems come in a variety of configurations, each with its own compliance requirements. Below is a breakdown of various hotel PBX solutions and their compatibility with the Ray Baum’s Act compliance.
Hotel Phone System Configurations:
| Hotel Phone System | Hotel Phone Service PSTN Connection | Compliance Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Non-IP (Traditional) | POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) | Requirement 1 – Yes, Requirement 2 – Yes, Requirement 3 – No, Requirement 4 – Yes, Requirement 5 – No, Requirement 6 – No |
| Non-IP (Legacy) | SIP Trunks | Requirement 1 – Yes, Requirement 2 – Yes, Requirement 3 – Yes, Requirement 4 – Yes, Requirement 5 – Yes, Requirement 6 – Yes |
| Non-IP (Older) | CAMA Trunks | Requirement 1 – Yes, Requirement 2 – Yes, Requirement 3 – No, Requirement 4 – Yes, Requirement 5 – No, Requirement 6 – No |
| IP-Enabled | POTS | Requirement 1 – Yes, Requirement 2 – Yes, Requirement 3 – No, Requirement 4 – Yes, Requirement 5 – No, Requirement 6 – No |
| IP (Modern) | T1 (PRI) | Requirement 1 – Yes, Requirement 2 – Yes, Requirement 3 – Yes, Requirement 4 – Yes, Requirement 5 – No, Requirement 6 – No |
| IP-Hosted (Modern) | SIP Trunks | Requirement 1 – Yes, Requirement 2 – Yes, Requirement 3 – Yes, Requirement 4 – Yes, Requirement 5 – Yes, Requirement 6 – Yes |
Key Notes on Compliance:
- SIP Trunking: SIP Trunking is a modern solution that can help your hotel achieve compliance with Ray Baum’s Act by enabling features like direct dial 911 and accurate dispatchable location information.
- Callback Compliance: Callback compliance can be achieved using Direct Inward Dialing (DID). However, it’s essential to secure this system to prevent fraud and telemarketer calls.
- T1/PRI Connections: Hotels using traditional T1 or PRI connections will need to upgrade their systems to SIP Trunking to meet the stricter requirements of Ray Baum’s Act, such as dispatchable location details and callback capabilities.
Compliance Solutions for Your Hotel
If your hotel is not fully compliant, the good news is that upgrading to a modern IP-enabled PBX system with SIP Trunking is a feasible solution. These systems meet the requirements of both Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act.
With Jet Hotel Solutions, we can help your hotel upgrade its phone system and service provider to ensure full compliance with the latest 911 telecommunication laws.
Contact us today for a quote on a fully compliant system for your hotel.