Recent changes made to the Nursing Home Compare System established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have resulted in lower scores for approximately 36% of skilled nursing facilities. A detailed article on the change—and its effects—is available here.
Recent reports show a drop in the Five-Star Quality Rating System for 36% of nursing facilities—the result of planned changes to the scoring system. While 47% of facilities saw no change to their overall rating, nearly half lost one or more stars on the quality measure—just one of the metrics.
About the Measures
A facility receives one to five stars based on three metrics. These include survey responses, quality, and staffing. Recent changes to calculations have made it more difficult for a facility to receive an above-average rating. While 23% of facilities lost at least one star on survey responses, 33% lost one or more stars on staffing. Some 47% lost at least one star on quality.
With their most-recent requirements, CMS has placed additional emphasis on staffing. It recently gave 1,400 facilities a one-star staffing rating after an investigation in the New York Times revealed some facilities inaccurately reported the number of days with a registered nurse on-site. Previously, a facility would receive a one-star staffing score if it were to go without a registered nurse for seven days per quarter. That number has since been lowered to four.
Fines Issued for Non-Compliance
As we reported in an earlier blog, CMS issued $114 million in total fines during 2017–down 10% from the $127 million in fines levied in 2016. While CMS issues financial penalties 28% more often than before, it levies a greater number of smaller fines than larger penalties. The agency claims revisions have made the process both fairer and more consistent.
We’ll Fight for Your Loved One
If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, call the experienced North Carolina nursing home abuse attorneys at Henson Fuerst today at 866-677-0420.
If you are concerned about the treatment your loved one is receiving, contact the legal team at Henson Fuerst today. Call 866-677-0420 or complete a free initial consultation form. We have a long history of advocating for the rights of people suffering mistreatment—and will treat your case with respect and compassion.
When you call, you will speak with one of our experienced Raleigh nursing home abuse attorneys. They will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you and fight hard to protect your rights. At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front—and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
