Whistleblower protections are designed to address which issue?

Whistleblower protections are primarily designed to encourage individuals to report misconduct, illegal activities, or unethical practices without fear of retaliation. Specifically, these protections are critical in the context of false claims submission; they provide a safe avenue for employees or individuals to expose fraudulent actions, such as submitting inaccuracies to government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

When whistleblowers report false claims, they help to uphold the integrity of healthcare systems and ensure accountability. Their actions can lead to investigations into entities or individuals who engage in fraudulent activities, ultimately protecting public funds and the quality of care in residential care and assisted living settings.

Although the other options—patient satisfaction, financial audits, and staff training—are important aspects of healthcare management and quality, they do not directly relate to the legal protections in place to support individuals who report misconduct or violations of law, particularly regarding financial fraud. Therefore, it is clear that the primary focus of whistleblower protections is to address issues like false claims submission, making that the correct answer.