SAMPLE POLICY WORK

incidents to prevent recurrence and maintain high-quality care. • Support compliance with the CAC Waiver and other regulatory requirements by establishing clear timelines, documentation methods, and accountability structures. • Facilitate open communication and continuous learning within the organization, enabling staff to report incidents without fear of reprisal while promoting best practices and process improvements.

Objectives

The key objectives of the Incident Reporting policy are as follows:

• To define clear types of reportable incidents, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, injuries, medication errors, and other critical incidents that might affect client well ‑ being. • To set forth rigorous reporting timelines based on the severity of each incident, thereby ensuring prompt and appropriate responses. • To delineate internal reporting pathways and external reporting requirements for regulatory bodies such as TennCare and Adult Protective Services. • To detail the investigation process for reported incidents, including documentation, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and follow ‑ up reviews. • To assign clear roles and responsibilities for incident reporting, investigation, and resolution across all levels of the organization. • To continuously improve operational practices and promote a culture of quality and safety. b. Scope of the Incident Reporting Policy This policy applies to all Simpl Care Services LLC staff, including executive leadership, care service directors, technology development personnel, direct support professionals, administrative staff, and quality assurance personnel. Every employee is required to report any incident that could potentially cause harm, jeopardize safety, compromise service integrity, or result in non ‑ compliance with state or federal regulations. This policy also serves as a reference point during external audits and regulatory reviews by bodies such as TennCare, Adult Protective Services, and other oversight agencies. c. Definitions and Types of Reportable Incidents Clearly defining incident types is crucial for ensuring consistency in reporting and response. The following definitions and examples provide guidance for staff:

1. Abuse

Definition: Any intentional act or omission that causes harm or distress to a client. Abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual.

Examples:

•

Use of physical force resulting in injury.

• Verbal insults or demeaning language that undermines client dignity. • Unwanted sexual contact or exploitation.