The quality management program plan must include a method to identify, document, and evaluate what?

The inclusion of a method to identify, document, and evaluate incidents is critical to a quality management program plan. Incidents can encompass a wide range of events that may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of residents or staff within a nursing care institution. By systematically identifying and assessing incidents, the facility can effectively track patterns, implement corrective actions, and enhance overall care quality. This process is essential for maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, as well as fostering an environment of continuous improvement.

While the other options may be important aspects of an organization's operations, they do not carry the same imperative regarding quality management. Financial discrepancies, for example, pertain more to the financial health and accountability of the institution. New resident admissions, while relevant to operational efficiency, do not directly reflect the ongoing quality of care provided. Employee performance is significant in terms of overall staffing effectiveness, but it does not encompass the immediate response and system improvements necessary following incidents that directly affect resident safety and care quality. Hence, focusing on incidents aligns more closely with the core objectives of a quality management program.