Inspection of Nursing Homes

Nursing home supervision helps ensure that all patients receive appropriate care. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Service oversees individual state entities that provide nursing home inspections, if the facility uses Medicaid and Medicare funds.

Frequency

• CMS ensures that states conduct standard surveys at least every 15 months, and the average statewide interval between surveys must be 12 months or less, according to Daniel Levinson of the Office of Inspector General. Nursing home inspections occur randomly and unannounced.

Inspection Details

• Inspectors review the facility environment, personnel records, resident care plans, resident rights, the activities program, dietary services, and services by outside entities such as dentists and other specialists. The inspector also conducts interviews with patients, family members and staff. The survey process typically includes observation of meals, patient care and medication administration.

Corrections Plan

• After the inspection is complete, the surveyor reports the findings to the nursing home administrator. The nursing home must submit a plan for corrections to the state entity that oversees the survey process. A follow-up inspection occurs if the deficiencies warrant further review.