The QCIP program needs to be overhauled to better address statutory intent and increase accountability for QCIP funds. Neither the survey nor ResQUIP incentive portions of the QCIP program adequately measure quality of care at nursing facilities as required by statutes. Surveys are overlooking key health and medical issues related to quality of care. ResQUIP incentives are not based on quality of care measures. Facilities can receive ResQUIP payments without meeting even minimum quality of care standards.
QCIP criteria are too lenient.
During the same year 99 percent of all facilities that submitted ResQUIP plans received at least one ResQUIP incentive payment. Facilities receive survey incentives as long as they have no more than two deficiencies, some of which can be serious. Facilities receive ResQUIP incentives if, by required deadlines, they submit a plan that is resident-centered. This raises questions about whether the incentive payments play a sufficient role in motivating facilities to provide better care. Additional quality of care measures are needed.