Abstract: A wireless communication system for exchanging messages between a patient support apparatus and a headwall unit includes intelligence built into either or both of these devices (and/or a server) for detecting when a mismatch occurs between the communication capabilities of the patient support apparatus and those of the headwall unit. A warning is issued in those situations where a caregiver is relying on communication abilities that are not present in one or both of the devices. Examples of such situations include, but are not limited to, a nurse call cable not being coupled between the patient support apparatus and the nurse call system when the patient support apparatus does not have the capability to wirelessly communicate with the nurse call system. Alternatively, or additionally, the headwall unit may issue an alert to a nurse call system if it detects one or more conditions that warrant immediate caregiver attention.