Standards of Care

How often do we really look at the highest of standards and strive to provide consistently beyond expectation?

Fact 1: Appendix PP is a set of minimum standards and requirements.

Fact 2: Most SNF/NH receive deficiencies each year at a national average of 4 or more. For example, in Texas of April 2025 of the 1,179 total homes 667 homes were cited with Serious Deficiencies and 1,024 Homes received citations related to infection deficiencies with $61M in penalties issued along with 202 payment suspensions. (State by State)

Fact 3: State survey agencies are behind in scheduled reviews with Alabama and Tennessee most delinquent.

Let me emphasize again that current regulations are minimum requirements!

So why is this industry riddle with poor performance and lacks quality beyond minimum care and services?

My insight comes from years and years of experience in the trenches being directly involved with some of the toughest situations and circumstances one could imagine. What

I know is this:

• It isn't the business model both profit and non-profit alike receive deficiencies.

• It isn't staffing patterns or the lack of.

• It isn't the environment.

• It isn't the location. I

• t isn't the resident population profile.

• It isn't the budget.

  
  

My experiences have shown me is that the lack of effective management from the top down is most often the culprit. Too often department directors, charge nurses and administrators find themselves ill equipped and without the tools and authority to effectively manage people. Setting expectations that are communicated is virtually non-existent. Let alone holding staff accountable or provided positive reinforcement or recognition.

Beyond the Minimum

How can this industry steer away from disaster? That's the crucial question. One thing is clear: the existing process with federal oversight is ineffective. Perhaps replacing negative outcome surveys with rewards for positive outcomes could be an option. What are your thoughts and suggestions? Feel free to email me at reta@cltcinc.com or leave a comment on the blog.