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What You Can Do
State surveys about nursing homes
Nursing homes participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs are required by federal law to undergo an annual survey and certification process. The purpose of the survey is to assess whether the quality of care, as intended by the law and regulations, and as needed by the resident, is being provided in the nursing home. Homes must be in substantial compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements as well as state law. If a nursing home is found to be out of compliance, federal law sets forth enforcement options such as denial of payment for new admissions, fines, revocation of Medicaid and Medicare certifications, transfer of residents, and the imposition of temporary management.
In implementing the survey and certification process, several expectations of nursing homes were established. These expectations were:
- Nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs must remain in substantial compliance with the Medicaid/Medicare care requirements
- All deficiencies will be addressed promptly
- Residents will receive the care and services they need to meet their highest practicable level of functioning
Certification surveys are conducted on an annual basis by a state or local survey agency on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. A deficiency statement may be formed from the results of the survey. A deficiency is a nursing home's failure to meet a requirement as specified in the federal regulations. Deficiencies determined from the survey process are recorded in the Survey Report Form that contains information of the findings of the survey. Deficiencies alleged by staff, residents, or family members must be confirmed through records, interviews and observations. If staff, resident, or family allegations are not confirmed through records, interviews or observations, the nursing home cannot be cited as deficient. Once the survey team determines that deficiencies exist, they determine the seriousness of the violations. Consideration is given to whether the deficiency status constitutes immediate jeopardy or actual harm; and whether the deficiency is isolated, constitutes a pattern, or is widespread.
The following website lists the most recent federal survey results, populations of the nursing home, and facts about the nursing home's ownership. It can be a valuable resource when selecting a nursing home for your loved one.
Additional resource:
Medicare's website for determining the facts for a nursing home under the Medicare program
Click on the links to the right for more information on specific actions you can take to stop nursing home abuse and neglect.
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What You Can Do