CMS to disclose list of “underperforming” nursing homes

The Associate Press had this story today.   Fifty-six nursing homes are among the worst in their states and are being called out in an effort to goad them into providing proper patient care.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups complain that too many facilities get cited for serious deficiencies but don’t make adequate improvement, or do so only temporarily.

The homes in question are among more than 120 designated as a “special focus facility.” CMS began using the designation to identify homes that need more oversight.   The homes on the list got not only the special focus designation, but also registered a lack of improvement in a subsequent survey.

There are about 16,400 nursing homes nationwide. About 1.5 million elderly people live in nursing homes. Taxpayers spend about $72.5 billion a year to pay the cost of nursing home care.

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.”