Nursing homes with two consecutive deficiency-free surveys in the 44 evaluated areas receive a top score of 88 points, while homes that fail to meet those standards receive lower scores. Consumers can compare nursing homes to each other and to a statewide average score. New Jersey has 355 nursing homes caring for more than 47,000 state residents. The report includes data on the 332 nursing homes that accept Medicare or Medicaid for payment. Fishman said the state's nursing home performance report is modeled on one unveiled last year by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
New Jersey is one of only a handful of states to produce such a report.
The New Jersey report's first posting shows a statewide average total score of 85. One hundred and seventeen homes received the top score of 88. This nursing home performance report gives consumers of health care services in New Jersey another important resource for making well-informed choices. Nursing home scores in the report card are determined by the results of information gathered during the department's unannounced inspections. Survey teams comprised of registered professional nurses, nutrition consultants and registered pharmacists evaluate all aspects of resident care and nursing home procedures and practices, assessing facility compliance with state and federal standards.