The office fields more than 6,000 calls and conducts more than 2,400 unannounced care investigations each year. Oversight of practices in nursing homes is not limited to the facilities themselves. Health care workers are subject to disciplinary action from these bodies for performance deficiencies. This report includes the findings of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services standard inspections and complaint investigations conducted and concluded during the past 15 months. The regulations and procedures followed by the department are intended to promote the health, safety and welfare of New Jersey nursing home residents and to give nursing facilities the opportunity to contest department findings and penalty assessments.
New Jersey employs a team concept in inspecting nursing homes.
On inspections, the teams may be joined by other professionals, such as sanitarians or life safety code experts, if necessary. Complaint surveys are conducted by a separate unit consisting of eight investigators, two team leaders and one supervisor. All complaint team members are registered professional nurses. Samples of specific areas of care reviewed include resident rights, access to care, activities, assessment and care plans, health care and dietary services, housekeeping, staffing, quality of care and quality assurance. The department's evaluation may include an inspection of medical records, observation of resident care, inspection of all areas of the nursing home, and interviews of residents, family members, staff or other individuals.