Traumatic falls, medication errors, pressure ulcers, and healthcare-associated infections are serious risks to both residents and patients in nursing homes. The 2025 National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) for Nursing Care Centers, issued by the Joint Commission, list strategies that can enhance patient safety and reduce potential harm to residents and patients.

The attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams, PC, can help you hold nursing homes accountable when healthcare providers put patients or residents at risk by failing to adhere to guidelines issued by the Joint Commission.

Minimizing Fall Risks

It is estimated that fifty percent of nursing home residents experience at least one fall each year. To address this issue, the Joint Commission’s Goal 9 aims to minimize traumatic falls by implementing risk assessments, targeted interventions, and patient education.

Elements of Performance for Fall Prevention:

• Fall risk assessments for each patient and resident
• Interventions for individual risk factors
• Staff training on prevention strategies
• Alert patients, residents, and families of fall prevention measures
• Consistently examine the effectiveness of preventive efforts

Following these steps could help identify systemic fall risks and enact effective preventive measures.

Medication Error Prevention

Errors in the distribution of medication to patients and residents are a preventable issue in healthcare. In Goal 3 of the NPSG, the Joint Commission highlights the importance of safely managing medications. This includes accurately administering medications, minimizing dosage errors, and reducing adverse drug interactions. Thorough staff training, careful monitoring of medication systems, and clear communication can play major roles in preventing and reducing medication errors.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Also known as bedsores, pressure ulcers are common among patients with conditions that limit their mobility. Goal 14 of the NPSG aims to prevent the presence and worsening of pressure-related injuries in nursing home facilities. Preventative measures can include regularly scheduled skin examinations, repositioning patients, and ensuring patients and residents receive proper nutrition and hydration. Taking the time to ensure the facility’s staff is properly trained in these practices is crucial for the well-being of the patients and residents of the nursing home.

Minimizing HealthCare-Associated Infections

Healthcare-associated infections are a widespread concern in nursing homes. Goal 7 aims to reduce the risk of contracting infections by implementing stringent hygiene practices, emphasizing hand washing, sterilization, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Regular training and adherence to infection control standards are crucial for minimizing these risks for patients and residents.

Holding Nursing Home Facilities Accountable for Preventable Harm

The Joint Commission’s 2025 NPSG for Nursing Care Centers gives healthcare facilities the necessary guidelines and tools to help improve patient care and safety. Healthcare providers can reduce the risks of falls, medication errors, pressure ulcers, and healthcare-associated infections for patients and residents when they adopt these guidelines and implement the outlined elements of performance for each goal.

When nursing home facilities fail to follow safety measures properly, the quality of life for residents and patients can suffer. If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home negligence, Lowenthal & Abrams, PC, is here to help. Our experienced legal team advocates for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect to ensure facilities are held accountable for their negligence. Reach out to an attorney at our firm today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.