Strengthening Abuse Prevention: A Leadership Perspective

April 13, 2026

Insights from Lisa Thomson, BA, LNHA, HSE, CIM –  Chief Operating Officer

Abuse prevention continues to be one of the most frequently cited areas in long-term care, consistently appearing in the Top 10 F-Tags nationwide, including F600 – Freedom from Abuse and Neglect. While most organizations have policies and training in place, we continue to see opportunities for improvement—particularly around reporting timelines, investigation processes, and consistency in execution. What has become increasingly clear through Appendix PP (F600–F610) is that abuse prevention is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a reflection of how well our systems, communication, and leadership practices come together in real time.

In working alongside nursing home leaders, I often hear, “We have the policies—we just need to make sure they are followed.” And that’s exactly where the opportunity lies. Abuse prevention is not about a single policy or annual training—it’s about how well we identify risk early, communicate clearly, respond consistently, and learn from each situation. Investigations, in particular, are an area where leaders can strengthen their approach. While staff statements are important, they are just one part of the process. Strong investigations include thoughtful interviews, clear timelines, and documentation that helps tell the full story—from the initial concern through the actions taken and lessons learned.

Three Leadership Strategies to Strengthen Your Approach

  • Create Consistency Through Clear Processes: Take time to review how your team responds to an allegation from start to finish. Standardizing elements like timelines, interviews, and documentation helps ensure that every situation is handled thoroughly and consistently.
  • Focus on Practical, Real-World Training: Consider incorporating scenario-based and interactive training that allows staff to think through situations they may actually encounter. This helps build confidence and reinforces expectations in a meaningful way.
  • Use Your Data to Guide Improvement: Look at trends in incidents, reporting, and investigations. Integrating this into your QAPI process can help identify patterns early and support ongoing improvements in your systems.

At its core, abuse prevention is about creating an environment where residents feel safe and respected, and where staff feel supported in doing the right thing. Leaders play a key role in shaping that environment—through visibility, consistency, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

At Pathway Health, we work with organizations to review and strengthen Abuse Prevention Programs and internal processes to align with current requirements and best practices. We also encourage you to download our complimentary Investigation File Checklist, a helpful tool to ensure your investigation files include key components such as timelines, interviews, notifications, and supporting documentation. It’s a simple way to bring structure and consistency to your process and can be a valuable addition to your QAPI efforts.

When leaders focus on strengthening systems and supporting their teams, they not only improve compliance—they help build a culture where prevention becomes part of everyday practice.

Pathway Health Resources:
At Pathway Health, our team brings real-world insight, expertise, and proven education tools to help your organization thrive. Learn more about our resources below:

Contact us for a QuickCheck on your abuse prevention program and processes.

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