Under this proposal, fines collected would be used to partially finance the grant program for increasing staffing levels, and nursing homes that successfully challenge the fines would receive refunds with interest. We are disappointed that the House Commerce Committee did not include these important provisions in its mark-up of the Beneficiary Improvement and Protection Act of 2000. We will continue to work with Congress to secure enactment of these proposals, as well as Administration proposals to establish criminal, civil, and injunctive remedies for patterns of violations that harm nursing home residents, and to require criminal background checks for nursing home employees. Conclusion States have generally implemented the NHI in ways that should lead to improvements in oversight and quality of care. There have been substantial increases in staggered surveys, a rise in citations for quality problems, and reductions in use of restraints.
More work is needed in specific areas, such as implementing speedier complaint investigations.
We are committed to continuing to work with residents and their families, advocacy groups, providers, States, and Congress to ensure that the NHI is fully and effectively implemented and that nursing home residents receive the quality care and protection they deserve. We greatly appreciate the additional support Congress has provided for the NHI, and the cooperation we have received from States, resident advocates, and nursing home providers. With continued cooperation and support, we are confident that the NHI will succeed in its goal to improve oversight and the quality of care for nursing home residents.