The Top 10 Nursing Home Citations of 2024: Insights and Prevention Strategies
Understanding citation trends is critical to improving quality and compliance. By analyzing deficiency data, facilities can focus on priority areas of improvement to prepare for surveys and enhance resident care using a data driven approach.
Why Are the Top Citations Important?
Tracking trends in citations provides insight to proactively address common deficiencies. The QCOR (Quality, Certification, and Oversight Reports) platform provides an ongoing, real-time look at the most frequently cited deficiencies across nursing homes nationwide. With this information, providers can prioritize quality improvement projects to reduce risks and facilitate survey success. Based on 2024 QCOR data, here are the most frequently cited deficiencies across complaint investigations, annual surveys, and Focused Infection Control (FIC) surveys.
The Top 10 Citations of 2024
- F880 – Infection Prevention and Control
- Why it’s cited: Persistent issues with infection control practices, including PPE use and hand hygiene.
- Prevention tip: Strengthen your infection prevention program with ongoing audits and staff education.
- F689 – Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices
- Why it’s cited: Inadequate supervision and failure to prevent avoidable accidents.
- Prevention tip: Implement a comprehensive safety program with regular risk assessments.
- F812 – Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/Serve Sanitary
- Why it’s cited: Deficiencies in food storage, preparation, or sanitation protocols.
- Prevention tip: Conduct routine kitchen inspections and align practices with food safety standards.
- F684 – Quality of Care
- Why it’s cited: Shortcomings in addressing residents’ physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
- Prevention tip: Focus on individualized care planning and consistent communication with families.
- F656 – Comprehensive Care Plans
- Why it’s cited: Failure to keep care plans current or fully detailed.
- Prevention tip: Establish a robust process for interdisciplinary team reviews and timely updates.
- F677 – ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) Care
- Why it’s cited: Inconsistent assistance with bathing, grooming, or dressing.
- Prevention tip: Ensure staffing levels support resident ADL needs and conduct regular performance audits.
- F550 – Resident Rights
- Why it’s cited: Deficiencies in respecting residents’ dignity, privacy, and personal choices.
- Prevention tip: Train staff to honor resident preferences and adopt person-centered care practices.
- F761 – Label/Store Drugs and Biologicals
- Why it’s cited: Errors in medication storage, including expired drugs or improper labeling.
- Prevention tip: Perform monthly medication storage audits and maintain close communication with your pharmacy provider.
- F686 – Treatment/Devices to Prevent and Heal Pressure Ulcers
- Why it’s cited: Delayed interventions or lack of preventative measures for pressure injuries.
- Prevention tip: Emphasize skin assessment training and ensure timely access to pressure-relieving devices.
- F625 – Notice Requirements Before Transfer/Discharge
- Why it’s cited: Non-compliance with notice and documentation requirements for transfers or discharges.
- Prevention tip: Regularly review your discharge protocols and ensure all required notices are accurate and timely.
How to Leverage QCOR Data for Compliance Success
- Access Real-Time Data: Regularly review QCOR reports for your state and nationally to spot emerging trends.
- Conduct Self-Audits: Use QCOR trends as a framework to audit your own practices and policies.
- Develop Targeted Training: Focus staff education on the most commonly cited areas to reinforce best practices.
- Incorporate into QAPI Plans: Address citation trends within your Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program.
- Engage Leadership: Ensure leadership teams use QCOR data to guide decision-making and quality initiatives.
The ongoing availability of QCOR data provides nursing homes with an invaluable resource for monitoring compliance trends and proactively addressing deficiencies. By focusing on the most frequently cited areas, facilities can improve survey outcomes, reduce risks, and elevate the quality of care for their residents.
For expert guidance on preparing for survey success or addressing citations, contact Proactive LTC Consulting to schedule a mock survey or program consultation. Let’s work together to ensure your facility’s success in 2025 and beyond.
Written by:
Shelly Maffia, MSN, MBA, RN, LNHA, QCP, CHC, CPC, CLNC
Director of Regulatory Services
Contact Proactive to learn more about Five-Star Improvement support services and develop a road map to Five-Star success in 2025.