Failure to report COVID-19 data to the National Health Safety Network (NHSN) and infection prevention & control deficiencies have been among the top survey citations for nursing home providers, according to data from LeadingAge.
The organization on Wednesday released a comprehensive list of top survey complaints nationwide for nursing homes as of March.
With NHSN reporting being a federal requirement, providers were urged to ensure they submit their data to the network and have a backup team member who can enter the information, as well.
Janine Finck-Boyle, vice president of regulatory affairs for LeadingAge, also stressed providers must be able to demonstrate infection control procedures and how well staff follow those practices.
“Key tools to use by your infection preventionist are line listings and tracking infections,” she noted.
Lapses in required COVID-19 testing for residents and staff, quality of care violations, inadequate development of immunization programs and non-reporting of alleged abuse also landed among the top 10 citations, according to data gathered since January.
Finck-Boyle said it’s key for providers to check staff knowledge when it comes to reporting abuse.
“Do they know the process and who the report would be communicated to, as well as the time frames? Is there documentation to complete of the alleged incident?” she asked. “Don’t forget to incorporate all shifts and all days — evenings, nights and weekends.”
