Archive for the ‘Home Health Care’ Category

Step 1 of Hiring a Home Health Care Agency - Crucial Questions

Posted on July 6, 2009

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is part of the federal government's Department of Health and Human Services. Because many Medicare and Medicaid recipients are elderly, much of the funding goes to nursing homes or eldercare services. Nursing centers that receive certifications from Medicare undergo an inspection every fifteen months (at a minimum). CMS visits nursing homes and publishes information on any deficiencies found during inspection.

CMS Deficiencies & Citations

Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes are inspected every twelve to fifteen months for health and fire safety regulations. If a complaint is lodged, the facility may be inspected more frequently. When a nursing home fails to meet state and federal minimum standards for care, a deficiency is issued. A citation is issued when a SNF is fined for noncompliance with the state minimum standards. Deficiencies are noted on Medicare's Nursing Home Compare.