Government outs 54 worst nursing homes

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said he’s concerned about those homes in between — the ones that don’t make much improvement but still continue operating.

“The federal agency responsible for nursing homes is doing the right thing by letting the public know which homes yo-yo in and out of compliance with the minimum requirements of care,” Grassley said. “It gives these nursing homes the incentive to get off of that list, and it lets consumers know what they’re getting into.”

Kerry Weems, acting administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said states pick from a list submitted by CMS when determining those that get the special focus designation. He said that because of regional differences, a home that makes the list in one state may actually provide better care than a home that’s not listed in another state.

“I’m careful in saying they’re not the worst performers, but they are chronic underperformers,” Weems said.

Weems said he hopes that naming the homes makes it easier for them to improve.

“We’re hopeful making this disclosure will put the right kind of pressure, helpful pressure, on the facilities to move to the path of improvement rather than the path to termination,” Weems said.

The AARP also applauded the administration’s action.

“People in nursing homes have a right to know how well they’re performing,” said David Certner, director of legislative policy for AARP, an advocacy group for people 50 and older. “Their families certainly have a right to know what kind of care their relatives are receiving and if that care is substandard.”

Medicare officials said families with relatives in a special focus nursing home should visit the home and talk to staff and residents. They can also review the survey history for the home on Medicare’s Web site called Nursing Home Compare.

Another source of information about a home is the state’s nursing home ombudsman.

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