Facility reported to state

ErinBSN · Jul 20, 2011

They may result in evaluation and a walk through. I have reported a facility to Joint Commision before (it had no working call bells, and my father-who was the patient, had multiple decubiti, In addition he was left with side rails up without access to urinal/restroom post cath removal)

I didn't bat an eye and I called them. I know they did a walk through and gave a list of "boo boos" that needed to be used. They tried to pin it on my dad (stating he had advanced dementia-came out he wasn't the one who found the faulty call bell, I DID!) I provided documentation to prove he was within right mental capacity. etc.

They issued a fine, things had to be fixed in a certain amount of time and it resolved. they came back at an undisclosed date to re-evaluate

That's all.

surgicalcap · Jul 20, 2011

The state coming into a facility is not as terrible as everyone thinks. They have a job to do to make sure that the residents are cared for. If they do talk to you or any of the nurses, remember to look them in the eye and answer their questions. They will have to investigate, some times they have to dig deep but many times the complaints are easy enough for administration to explain.

Look at the experience as a chance to learn and to grow. Do your job if they are observing and let them know that you are a little nervous. I was working one time when state came in to observe some dressing changes, I got very nervous, the lady stopped me and said, calm down and just do what you do every day. I did and it was perfect, one of the best dressing changes I ever did.

For the safety of the residents things have to change, just try to embrace the changes and you will get through it with out a problem.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2011

If you look on your state's website for nursing home inspections, you can find that some places have complaint calls every week or so. The larger the facility the more calls. If you are smaller, it seems rarer.

By law, they must investiage within a certain time period (is is 48hrs?) They could come in to the facility for this and depending on what was the complaint, they will focus on certain areas but could find other things too.

Low staffing is hard to prove or get dinged for (at least that is what I see). If the facility shows the staffing records and show that they had a bunch of call offs that couldn't be replaced but they tried to replace them...that might not get them into trouble. Care issues can tho.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Jul 20, 2011

It can be a lot of stress- and yes they can just show up, they can talk to whoever they want to (staff and residents), and decide if the complaints are valid, and what degree of severity they are. If it's 'bad', they have different timelines for things to be resolved. If it's found to be invalid, things go on, and whatever families called in either keep doing it, move their family member, or stick around and cause more trouble.

If everything is done per the facility policy, and state regs, it'll be fine- but it is stressful. Joint Commission is a cakewalk compared to LTC state investigations. Even the initial accreditation for JCAHO is easier than a team of state goons showing up.

robby5313 · Jul 20, 2011

Yes, you can plan on an inspection but it won't be nearly as bad as a yearly inspection that is for sure. Just something to remember-When the state asks you questions, you answer them with as few "details" as possible, meaning do not elaborate on your answers. Some people seem to give the inspectors way more information than what they need and this leads to other things being looked at as well!

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Jul 20, 2011

Totally agree with keeping answers short and sweet- be polite, and honest, but don't answer more than they ask :)

surfnbeagle · Jul 20, 2011

I agree, keep your answers short and sweet. Chances are you may not even be approached by an inspector. They will probably zero in on adminastrative records. If you don't know the answer to a question, just tell them that you can find out the answer for them. And while you are doing your med pass, also remember your basic dignity issues. Knocking on the door, privacy, covering the MAR (HIPPA, etc.. This is observed even if you are not being followed for a med pass. But don't worry, it will be fine! :):coollook:

robby5313 · Jul 20, 2011

With the complaint inspection they usually just focus on the specific complaints. Say the family was complaining about the food being cold. They would mainly focus on the kitchen and they would hang out there. If they complained that it took forever for a call light to be answered, they would focus on watching responses to call lights. That is not saying that they won't also monitor meds, etc. But in my experience they focus on the actual complaint.

feelsgoodtobeRN · Jul 21, 2011

Thank you for your input everyone:) I have been there with the usual state inspection I was just wondering if it would be different this time around. Thank you for your help!