California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

Which of the following incidents must be reported to the agency?

1. Major incidents

2. Adverse incidents

3. Resident injuries

4. Staff injuries

The correct answer is: Adverse incidents

When considering which incidents must be reported to the agency, the selection of adverse incidents as the correct answer is significant. Adverse incidents refer to events that lead to harm or have the potential to cause harm to residents or staff within a facility. These incidents can reveal systemic issues, patterns of risk, or areas needing improvement in care practices and operational protocols. Reporting adverse incidents is crucial to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to regulatory standards. It allows for the identification of trends that could lead to further issues and ensures that measures can be implemented to prevent future occurrences. Regulatory agencies require this information to monitor facility compliance and to protect the welfare of residents and staff. In contrast, while major incidents and resident injuries are also important, they may not encompass the broader scope of what constitutes an adverse incident. Staff injuries can be serious, but their reporting requirements may differ based on workplace safety regulations rather than those specifically related to resident care. Thus, the focus on adverse incidents underscores the commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and quality within healthcare environments.