Qsource Podcasts

F880 IPC National Handwashing Awareness

In this episode of the Qsource Podcast, nurse surveyor Linzie Bugg discusses National Handwashing Awareness Week, highlighting the critical role of hand hygiene in long-term care facilities. They explain F-880 infection control regulations, share creative strategies to boost handwashing compliance among staff, residents, and visitors, and emphasize the benefits of strong IPC programs. The episode also promotes Qsource resources for compliance support and previews the next episode on resident care during the holidays and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
To schedule a complimentary consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

[Audio Blog] What Triggers an Immediate Jeopardy Finding and How to Spot the Warning Signs

Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) is one of the most serious regulatory threats facing nursing homes, with citations that can lead to steep penalties, loss of trust, and resident harm. This article breaks down the critical warning signs that often precede IJ determinations, such as supervision failures, medication errors, and breakdowns in communication or documentation. It outlines when these risks typically surface, what frontline staff should look for, and how nursing homes can take early, decisive action to prevent serious outcomes.

Antibiotic Stewardship Awareness

In this episode of the Qsource podcast, Linzie Bugg and consultant pharmacist Jonathon Pouliot discuss the importance of antibiotic stewardship in long-term care (LTC) facilities, especially during Antibiotic Stewardship Awareness Week. They highlight the dangers of antimicrobial resistance, regulatory requirements from CMS, and practical steps for building effective stewardship programs. Emphasizing teamwork, communication, and education, the hosts break down the CDC’s eight core elements of stewardship and share strategies for reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, protecting residents, and ensuring compliance with quality care standards in LTC settings.

[Audio Blog] Serving Safety: Addressing F812 to Protect Residents and Uphold Standards

Food safety is a top priority in nursing homes, especially under CMS F812 regulations. This blog explores how even minor oversights in storage, labeling, sanitation, and staff hygiene can lead to serious consequences, including resident illness and regulatory citations. F812 requires strict adherence to FDA Food Code standards, and citations often result from improper temperatures, expired items, cross-contamination, or poor hand hygiene. Qsource supports facilities by offering mock kitchen audits, training, and process improvements that integrate food safety into daily operations. Creating a culture of accountability and cleanliness across departments ensures meals are safe, residents are protected, and surveys are successful.
To schedule a complimentary consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

National Nursing Practitioner Week

In this episode of the Qsource Podcast, Linzie Bugg celebrates National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week, highlighting the vital role NPs play in long-term care. The episode offers creative ideas for honoring NPs, such as luncheons, social media spotlights, and resident involvement. It also provides practical guidance on ensuring NP compliance with CMS regulations, covering supervision, documentation, and delegation. Linzie emphasizes the importance of regulatory awareness, ongoing education, and collaboration to support NPs and maintain high-quality, resident-centered care. The episode wraps up with encouragement to celebrate NPs and a preview of upcoming topics.
To schedule a complimentary consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

[Audio Blog] Infection Prevention Support That Strengthens Your Nursing Home

Infection control in nursing homes is more than a checklist, it’s a frontline function that requires teamwork, accountability, and systems that work in real-world conditions. This blog explores how Qsource helps nursing homes move beyond written policies to build infection prevention practices that are sustainable, survey-ready, and truly protective. From PPE placement and hand hygiene to catheter care and environmental cleaning, Qsource’s approach meets teams where they are, simplifies processes, and reinforces daily compliance across departments, reducing F880 deficiencies and building lasting confidence in care delivery.
To schedule a complimentary consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

Preventing Elopement and Wandering Risks in Nursing Homes

Elopement is one of the most cited and dangerous risks in nursing homes, especially among residents with dementia. Preventing it takes more than alarms and locked doors, it requires early identification of high-risk individuals, environmental design that supports safe movement, and a well-trained, alert care team. This blog outlines how Qsource helps facilities build proactive, rights-respecting prevention plans that align with CMS regulations. From behavior monitoring and staff education to QAPI-driven reviews, Qsource ensures safety without compromising resident dignity or autonomy.
To schedule a complimentary consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

Caring for Veterans in Nursing Homes

In this episode of the Qsource Podcast, nurse surveyor Linzie Bugg discusses the unique needs of veterans in nursing homes, especially around Veterans Day. She explains VA nursing home programs, eligibility, and funding, and outlines CMS expectations for veteran care. Linzie emphasizes trauma-informed, personalized care, and highlights the importance of honoring veterans’ service. She also describes how Qsource supports staff training to ensure compassionate, informed care for veterans.

[Audio Blog] Addressing the Most Common Nursing Home Citations: How Qsource Helps Turn Deficiencies into Opportunities

The most frequently cited deficiencies in nursing homes, F880 (Infection Control), F689 (Accident Hazards), F656 (Care Planning), F684 (Quality of Care), F812 (Food Safety), and F600 (Abuse/Neglect), often reflect deeper systemic issues like poor communication, staffing shortages, and weak internal processes. Qsource helps facilities turn these challenges into opportunities by providing structured support through mock surveys, care plan audits, interdisciplinary coaching, QAPI alignment, and root cause analysis. With a focus on sustainable improvement and practical team-based strategies, Qsource partners with nursing homes to move beyond compliance and toward excellence in resident care.
To schedule a complimentary consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

[Audio Blog] Raising the Bar for Clinical Excellence: Addressing F684 in Nursing Homes

F684: Quality of Care, is one of the most frequently cited F-tags in nursing homes because it reflects the full scope of resident care delivery. This regulation requires facilities to provide timely, individualized services that support residents’ highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Qsource helps facilities prevent F684 deficiencies by strengthening early clinical response, staff communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and QAPI integration. When clinical systems function cohesively, quality of care becomes measurable, sustainable, and survey-ready.
To schedule a complimentary consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting