Direct Care Workers (DCWs) are required to report any incident that may affect a participant’s health, safety, or well-being. Incidents must be reported immediately to the agency supervisor, so the agency can ensure participant safety and submit the report through the state’s incident management system, Enterprise Incident Management (EIM).

What Is an Incident?
 

An incident is any event that could affect the health, safety, or well-being of a participant.

Examples of Reportable Incidents
 

• Falls (with or without injury)
• Choking incidents
• Injuries (cuts, bruises, burns, etc.)
• Medication errors or missed medications
• Participant illness or medical emergency
• Changes in physical or mental condition
• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation concerns
• Participant refusal of care (if safety is impacted)
• Environmental hazards (fire, unsafe living conditions)
• Hospitalization or emergency room visits
• Missing participant / wandering
• Property damage affecting safety
  
   

When to Report an Incident
 

Report incidents immediately when:

• There is injury or medical emergency
• Participant safety is at risk
• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation is suspected
• Emergency services (911) are called

All incidents must be reported:

• Immediately (or within agency policy timeframe)
• Before the end of your shift
• According to your agency’s reporting procedures
  
  
   

What To Do When an Incident Occurs
 

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

• Stay calm
• Check participant for injuries
• Remove any hazards
• Provide assistance as needed
   

Step 2: Call for Help

• Call 911 if emergency
• Notify supervisor immediately
• Follow care plan instructions
   

Step 3: Stay With the Participant

• Monitor condition
• Provide reassurance
• Do not leave participant alone if unsafe
   

Step 4: Document the Incident

Include:

• Date and time
• Location
• What happened
• Who was involved
• Actions taken
• Participant condition
• Notifications made

Important Reporting Guidelines
 

• Report facts only (do not guess or assume)
• Be clear and objective
• Report immediately
• Follow agency policy
• Maintain confidentiality

Why Incident Reporting Is Important

Incident reporting helps:
 

• Protect participant safety
• Prevent future incidents
• Improve quality of care
• Meet state and program requirements
• Support staff and participants

PA CHC Incident Reporting System 

For participants receiving services through the Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver, incidents must be reported through the state’s official incident reporting system.New text box 

Pennsylvania Enterprise Incident Management (EIM)

The Enterprise Incident Management (EIM) is the official statewide system used to report incidents involving waiver participants.

This system is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and is used by homecare agencies, service coordinators, and providers to report and track incidents.


 

Official Website

Pennsylvania Enterprise Incident Management (EIM)

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Enterprise-Incident-Management.aspx

Who Submits the Incident?

1. Direct Care Workers (DCWs) report incidents to their agency
2. The agency is responsible for submitting the report into the EIM system
3. Service Coordinators and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) review incidents

Reportable Incidents May Include:

• Falls
• Injuries
• Choking incidents
• Hospitalizations
• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Medication errors
• Missing participant
• Environmental hazards
• Death of participant

Important Reminder for DCWS

• Report incidents immediately to your supervisor
• Follow your agency policy
• Do not submit directly to EIM unless instructed
• Document facts clearly and accurately