Authors

  1. Section Editor(s): Kennedy, Maureen Shawn MA, RN

Article Content

Receiving high-quality care at nursing homes. The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General found that 91% of nursing homes were cited for deficiencies in 2007, and nearly 17% were cited for actual harm or immediate jeopardy incidents. Fewer nonprofit and government nursing homes than for-profit facilities were cited for deficiencies. Deficiencies occurred most often in the areas of quality of care, resident assessment, quality of life, and dietary services. Accident hazards; urinary incontinence; and providing for residents' physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being were among the top quality-of-care issues. The percentage of nursing homes with deficiencies in 2007 ranged from 76% in Rhode Island and 80% in Massachusetts to 100% in Alaska, the District of Columbia, Idaho, and Wyoming. Overall, deficiency rates have remained unchanged since 2005. Read the report at http://www.oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-02-08-00140.pdf.