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Surveyor's Definition of Fall:

Surveyor's Definition of Fall:

"Fall refers to unintentionally coming to rest on the ground, floor, or other lower level, but not as a result of an overwhelming external force (e.g., resident pushes another resident). An episode where a resident lost his/her balance and would have fallen, if not for staff intervention, is considered a fall. A fall without injury is still a fall. Unless there is evidence suggesting otherwise, when a resident is found on the floor, a fall is considered to have occurred."

Source: State Operations Manual, Appendix PP -- Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities, pg. 277.

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