– A quarter of Missouri’s nursing homes have not undergone standard inspections within the past two years.
– Federal law mandates an unannounced comprehensive inspection on every long-term care facility every 15 months.
– These inspections assess compliance with federal health and safety rules.
Lax Oversight in Missouri’s Nursing Homes
A significant percentage of nursing homes in Missouri are slipping through the cracks when it comes to health and safety checks. Federal data reveals that one in every four of these facilities has not been subjected to a standard inspection for a period exceeding two years.
This piece of news is particularly alarming because federal laws necessitate states to carry out unannounced comprehensive examinations of these facilities every 15 months. The purpose of these inspections is to evaluate the degree of compliance with federal health and safety regulations.
During these checks, inspectors typically spend significant time in the facility to fully evaluate all aspects of care and to ensure the well-being and safety of the residents.
The Regulatory Gap
The recent investigations have raised questions regarding the oversight in the long-term care sector in the state. The fact that a full quarter of facilities have escaped the regulatory net for more than two years speaks to a serious gap in enforcement and oversight, potentially exposing vulnerable residents to subpar quality of care, or worse, neglect or abuse.
The lack of regular inspections may also have serious implications for policy planning, as an incomplete picture of the sector’s state makes it more difficult to identify problems and strategize improvements systematically.
The Breezy Take
The revelation that 25% of Missouri’s nursing homes have not been evaluated for health and safety over two years is a serious concern that needs immediate attention. Compliance with federal regulations is not optional, it’s a necessity to ensure the safety and well-being of those residing in these facilities. The gap in enforcement of regulations in these homes presents a potential risk to our vulnerable elderly population. For a regulatory regime to remain effective, it must be consistent and vigilant – for the sake of Missouri’s nursing home residents, let’s hope this wakeup call stimulates a more proactive and thorough approach to inspections.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/07/a-quarter-of-missouri-nursing-homes-havent-had-health-inspection-in-years/