Protect Your Nursing Home from Citations: Five Steps to Compliance

Did you know that over 96,571 citations have been issued to long-term care (LTC) facilities this year alone? That's right—G-level, J-level, and K-level citations are hitting facilities hard, leading to severe consequences like state monitors, temporary management, or even mandated terminations. If your facility isn’t fully prepared, you could be next.

What’s Driving These Citations?
The top cited areas involve critical aspects of care, including Infection Prevention & Control (F880), Accident Hazards/Supervision (F689), and Food Procurement and Sanitation (F812). These aren’t minor infractions—they represent significant compliance failures that can result in severe financial penalties, disruption of services, and, in extreme cases, facility closure.

Why Compliance Matters Now More Than Ever.
Many facilities have already been forced to develop directed Plans of Correction (POCs), deal with state monitors, and, in some cases, face mandated terminations. The impact of these citations can be devastating to operations, staff morale, and the trust of residents and their families. The resulting financial strain can affect census numbers and the overall budget.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Proactive measures can make a world of difference, and partnering with a healthcare consulting firm like Qsource can help keep your facility compliant and safe from regulatory action. Qsource offers mock surveys and post-survey training tailored to tackle the most common areas of deficiency.

Five Actionable Steps to Protect Your Facility from Citations

1. Utilize CMS Pathways for Surveys: Ensure your staff is familiar with CMS pathways, as they guide surveyors during inspections. Regular training sessions are critical to keep your team updated on these protocols, preparing them for what to expect during a survey.
2. Hold At-Risk Meetings for Leadership: Regular leadership meetings should focus on identifying at-risk areas within the facility. Review incident reports, track trends, and develop actionable strategies to mitigate risks before they lead to citations.
3. Inspect What You Expect—Arrive During Off-Hours: Conducting unannounced inspections, particularly during off-hours, can help identify issues that may go unnoticed during regular shifts. Leadership presence during these times demonstrates a commitment to high standards and helps ensure the facility is survey-ready 24/7.
4. Develop a Robust Plan of Correction (POC): If your facility receives a citation, a strong POC is essential. Partner with Qsource to develop a POC that not only addresses deficiencies but also implements long-term solutions to prevent future citations.
5. Regularly Audit High-Risk Areas: Focus on areas most likely to result in citations, such as Accident Hazards/Supervision (F689), Falls, Medication Errors, and Wounds. Regular audits will help ensure ongoing compliance and allow you to address issues before they escalate.

Why Qsource is the Right Partner for Your Facility: Compliance is more than just checking off boxes—it’s about ensuring quality care and protecting your facility from severe penalties.

Qsource provides:

• Comprehensive Mock Surveys: We identify potential vulnerabilities before they turn into costly citations.
• Post-Survey Training: Our expert team works with you to design, implement, and train your staff on compliance strategies.
• Ongoing Support: From the initial assessment to full POC implementation, Qsource will be with you every step of the way.

Don’t let your facility become the next statistic. Partner with Qsource to stay ahead of regulatory challenges and maintain the highest standards of care