Reporting an adverse incident
Imagine this scenario: A 86-year-old resident has just fallen down two flights of stairs after wandering into your back hall staff stairway. The resident was managed to push their call button but is otherwise maimed from their fall. Unfortunately, the call system is showing they are in their room, yet when staff responds they are not there. Does your staff know what to do? Are they prepared to respond to an emergency like this or something even worse? In addition to the initial response to this event, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs mandates that residences report any occurrence that is deemed to have a significant effect on the resident’s health. Check it out below:
(d) Reporting Resident-specific Emergencies.
A Residence shall report to EOEA the occurrence of an incident or accident that arises within a Residence or its property, that has or may have a Significant Negative Effect on a resident’s health, safety or welfare, as defined by 651 CMR 12.02. A Significant Negative Effect shall be assumed whenever, as a result of an incident or accident, any unplanned or unscheduled visit to a hospital or medical treatment is necessary.
(e) Any report required under 651 CMR 12.04(11)(c) or 12.04(11)(d) shall be filed with the Assisted Living Certification Unit within 24 hours after the occurrence of the incident or accident via EOEA’s online filing system. In the event the online filing system is inaccessible, a Residence must submit a temporary report by facsimile and telephone and formally submit the official report via the online filing system as soon as the service becomes accessible. The information submitted in the incident report must be accurate and include all details associated with the incident. This requirement is in addition to the requirements of M.G.L. c. 19A, § 15, and of any other applicable law.
Top Takeaway:
- (e) Any report required under 651 CMR 12.04(11)(c) or 12.04(11)(d) shall be filed with the Assisted Living Certification Unit within 24 hours after the occurrence of the incident or accident via EOEA’s online filing system.
This is an absolute no grey area. If you do not the report within 24 hours you will be subjected to further penalty. You do not want a situation where you are under investigation for not reporting an adverse incident.