Importance of Documenting the Implementation of Elopement Drills in Facilities

Understanding Elopement Drills

True or False: A facility is not required to document the implement of elopement drills.

Answer: A facility is required to document the implementation of elopement drills is False.

An elopement is when a resident leaves a facility without permission, and elopement drills are necessary to prepare staff on how to prevent and respond to such incidents. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that all nursing homes have written policies and procedures on preventing elopement and conduct elopement drills at least annually. These drills must be documented, including the date and time of the drill, who participated, and any issues or concerns that were identified during the drill. Additionally, CMS requires facilities to have an elopement risk assessment for each resident to identify those at risk and develop a plan to prevent elopement.

Documenting the implementation of elopement drills is crucial in ensuring that a facility is in compliance with regulatory requirements and has taken necessary steps to prevent elopement incidents from occurring.

Why is it important for facilities to document the implementation of elopement drills?

Facilities need to document the implementation of elopement drills to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and to ensure staff are adequately prepared to prevent and respond to elopement incidents.