A network system prevents portable wireless remote control consoles from unintended activation of a medical device by determining if the console is located in a working space within a medical care room. Transceiver locator devices determine the position of the remote control consoles and send information to room control units indicating when a console is within the desired working space. The room control unit receives signals from the remote control console in the working space to control medical devices. The room control unit can also determine which of multiple remote control consoles within the working space is permitted to operate the medical devices. Each room control unit can send a presence output to the remote control console to enable use thereof. The remote control console can have an orientation sensor or a grip detector to prevent unintended operation thereof.