DHSS Acting Secretary Gregg C. Sylvester, MD, MPH, today detailed plans for surprise inspections of the state's nursing homes, scheduled to become effective January 1, 1998. Surprise inspections will supplement the state's existing program of annual surveys.
Surprise inspections can take place on any day and during any shift.
We are putting all nursing homes on notice that we are serious about improving the quality of care for nursing home residents. We expect nursing homes to maintain quality standards throughout the year, not just at annual inspection time. Each of the state's 51 nursing homes will receive surprise visits every year. These deficiencies could include staffing coverage and training, cleanliness of the facility, infection control, or environmental hazards such as water temperatures. At the completion of the surprise inspection, the inspectors will determine if the deficiencies found indicate substandard quality of care.