Unrecognized or undertreated pain diminishes function, sleep, mood, and dignity, and is a recognized quality concern. The facility must ensure each resident’s pain is recognized and managed consistent with professional standards and the resident’s goals (F697).
The documentation must show a valid pain assessment (self-report where possible, and an observational scale such as PAINAD for residents who cannot self-report), the individualized plan, the intervention, and — critically — the reassessed effect with timing.
