Neglect
Definition: The failure of the facility, its employees, or service providers to provide goods and services to a resident that are necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness.
In Practice
Neglect can be active (intentional) or passive (unintentional, such as due to inadequate staffing or training). Common examples include failure to provide adequate hydration, failure to reposition immobile residents, and failure to respond to call lights in a timely manner. Neglect findings frequently result in actual harm or Immediate Jeopardy citations.