10/16/2025

Survey Tip of the Week: Elopements

Nursing homes are required to report elopements in accordance with the Ohio Administrative Code 3701-17-06. The OAC defines elopement as: "Elopement" occurs when a resident leaves a home or safe area without the facility's knowledge or without supervision. A situation in which a resident with decision-making capacity leaves the home will not be considered an elopement unless the home has reason to suspect, or the circumstances surrounding the resident's departure indicate, that the departure is unusual or atypical. The Ohio Department of Health has directed operators to report elopements to the email address of BLTCQ@odh.ohio.gov. ODH also reminds providers to follow all HIPAA requirements when submitting information, which may include encrypting the email to protect resident privacy.

Join LeadingAge Ohio for the November Survey Tips and Tactics call on November 12 to learn more about elopements and how to be compliant.