Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

Who is responsible for reporting a patient fall and filling out the incident report?

1. Risk management

2. The supervisor

3. Whoever witnessed it or the first person to hear about it

4. Legal department

The correct answer is: Risk management

The correct answer highlights the pivotal role of risk management in addressing patient safety incidents like falls. Risk management is dedicated to minimizing risks to patients within a healthcare facility, including monitoring incidents, analyzing trends, and implementing preventive measures. When a patient fall occurs, it is crucial to document the event thoroughly to understand its causes, prevent future occurrences, and comply with regulations. While supervisors and witnesses to the incident may play roles in the immediate response to the fall and ensuring the patient’s needs are met, the formal responsibility for reporting and documenting falls typically falls to risk management. This department oversees the incident reporting process and ensures that all information is collected systematically for further analysis and improvement of safety protocols. In contrast, the legal department focuses on potential legal implications and does not typically engage in the initial reporting process. This structure helps create a safe environment where incidents are reported and reviewed without fear of retribution, thereby promoting a culture of safety and accountability in assisted living facilities.