Ask ECRI: Fall Prevention in Assisted Living Facilities

​​​A member recently asked about fall prevention and reporting requirements in assisted living (AL) facilities. In our response we provide information regarding fall-related claims data and accreditation and reporting requirements, as well as offer recommendations and resources for fall prevention.

Despite widespread fall prevention programs, a February 2022 JAMA Network Open research letter indicates that fall incidence rates are on the rise in the United States, with an average 1.5% annual growth rate from 2016 to 2019. Information specific to AL is difficult to track given the varying degrees of oversight; however, an overview of claims data provides a snapshot of the current state of fall-related claims in AL. According to the [2022...