STAT: Survey Tips and Tactics 2025 – Elopement

November 12, 2025

Discover how nursing homes are being cited with their annual surveys. The Long-Term Care Survey Process and regulatory language will be reviewed. Each month will delve into a specific survey topic. Common citation examples will be given with interactive discussion from members sharing their survey experiences, best practices, and lessons learned.  Obtain useful tips and tactics for the monthly highlighted topic. Resources and other reference material will be shared.

Elopement incidents remain a high-risk area for survey citations under F689 (Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices) and often result in Immediate Jeopardy findings when residents leave the facility unsupervised. Surveyors closely examine whether facilities have comprehensive elopement risk assessments, individualized care plans, and effective monitoring systems in place. In 2025, Ohio’s revised nursing home rules expanded and clarified reporting requirements for elopement incidents, requiring facilities to report certain events to the Ohio Department of Health even when they do not meet the federal definition of neglect. This session will review both CMS expectations and Ohio’s updated reporting rules, including preventive interventions, staff training, and post-incident investigations. Participants will analyze real-world examples of elopement-related citations and learn how to strengthen their facility’s protocols to protect residents, maintain compliance, and meet both federal and state requirements.

Continuing Education Information:   

1.0 clock hour will be awarded upon successful completion.   Pending BELTSS approval. 

Criteria for successful completion: Attendance at entire event and submission of completed evaluation form. 

LeadingAge Ohio is an approved provider by the Board of Executives of Long Term Services and Supports. Core of knowledge subject areas: Care, Services and Support; Operations; Environment and Quality.  

As stated in the Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4723-14-05, education that has been approved by a board or an agency that regulates a health care profession in Ohio or another jurisdiction is an acceptable option to meet nursing continuing education requirements.