Does "the state" visit your facility often?

[MelodyRNurse]

If they do what does this mean. Is it standard for all LTC facilities or only ones under review? If they're under review does that mean its not a good place to work?

Another thing is... Ive asked for a job description a couple of times and HR doesn't have one... they said its under revision and they will contact me as soon as the new one comes in!

I don't know thier protocol for a code and this seems like a huge issue in this facility, so I don't think it's reasonable for them to put me on the floor without having this type of information.

I'm trying not to be so picky but, these issues make me very uncomfortable.

[banditrn]

Well, I'm no expert, but I would think that if state were there 'a lot' that would NOT be a good sign.

And I don't know what to say about your job description - I know at our facility, I have yet to EVER see a policy and procedure manual!! I called the DON about it, and she told me that it was being revised - that was months ago!:uhoh21:

[Rizpah]

From my understanding, the state has to come in no less than every 15 months for annual survey. The state can come in anytime they want to and now with the changes to the abuse policy and reporting of injuries of unknown origin, we have seen them more often. We are cleared most of the time. We've had unexpected complaint surveys a couple of times too - we were able to figure out that they were the result of some disgruntled terminated employee trying to make things difficult for us. Surveys aren't always a bad thing. And if all are doing what they are supposed to do, when they are supposed to and how they are supposed to, there shouldn't be any major problems.

I was always under the assumption that policy and procedure manuals were to be available at all times.

And I'd have to double check, but I think there may be a regulation regarding job descriptions - that should have been given to you upon orientation.

[DeDe054]

Annual surveys are done yearly for every nursing facility. There are also complaint surveys. Job descriptions should be given to you upon hire. Emergency procedures should be part of orientation. Ask a co-worker to enlighten you on where emergency equipment is located and how to use it.Also ask about emergency outlets for equipment in case of power failure.

[KYGrace]

Annual surveys are done yearly for every nursing facility. There are also complaint surveys.

It is the same here in KY. We have a yearly survey. We are expecting ours here any day--oh what fun!! :monkeydance:

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

The state was in today. We don't know why but, wow! Does word travel!

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

You don't know why the state was there? They have to announce their intentions when they enter your building. They either tell you they are there for your annual survey or there on a complaint or a reportable.

Your management team should tell you when and why they are in the building. It's EVERYONE'S responsibility.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

You don't know why the state was there? They have to announce their intentions when they enter your building. They either tell you they are there for your annual survey or there on a complaint or a reportable.

Your management team should tell you when and why they are in the building. It's EVERYONE'S responsibility.

I'm sure they told someone. It wasn't me they told.

[nightmare, RN]

We have one announced visit and one un announced visit a year.More if there are any issues!

[DeDe054]

We had the state in on Tuesday for our annual survey. They were 2 months early.There were 6 surveyors and they were there 4 days. We have 152 beds with 62 skilled. We did well. I only got 4 citations and all will be in the scope and severity range of E or less. Kudos to my staff. I always tell the staff why they are in the facility, everyone needs to know. Good luck to all who are waiting.

[MelodyRNurse]

Thanks for your responses, I am new and didn't know if it was just facilities that had some serious problems or all facilities.

[Catsrule16, RN]

State Survey Agencies have facilities that are known as "Special Focus Facilities" that are surveyed every 6 months. Usually a poor performaing facility. This has been happening since 1999. CMS issues an Action Plan for Quality Improvement yearly. The 2004 Action Plan explains how a facility is chosen.

"11. Special Focus Facilities - Since 1999, each state has selected two nursing homes (i.e., "Special Focus" Facilities) that receive more intensive monitoring and follow-up than other facilities in the state. The states select facilities from a CMS list, which identifies facilities with a history of poor compliance, as indicated by deficiencies found during surveys and complaint investigations. Once a nursing home is placed on the Special Focus Facility (SFF) list, it has one additional standard survey per year in an effort to identify and improve care in these homes.

Here is a link to more information on Focus Facilities

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/SCLetter05-13.pdf