Department of Health Services - Office of Long Term Care

The Department of Health Services Division of Assurance and Licensure Services’ Office of Long Term Care (the Office) inspects Arizona’s nursing homes to ensure compliance with state licensing and federal Medicare and Medicaid requirements.  This report focused on how effectively the Office regulates those institutions.  The report recommends that the Office revise its policy for handling incidents reported by nursing homes and that it investigate all self-reported incidents of abuse or neglect involving nursing home staff.  Additionally, it should develop detailed guidelines for assigning complaint priorities.  Further, the Office should ensure that all public information is available to the public and continue its efforts to improve its Web site.  Finally, the report recommends that where appropriate, the Office make greater use of state sanctions in addition to recommending federal sanctions.