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Show The Salt LakeTribune NATION Pilot ProgramtoPublish ‘Nursing HomeData Online Project mayeventually include hospital performanceinformation BY JANELLE CARTER Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., denied any change was in the works. But the lawmakers warned in the letter that any TheBush complained about a proposal attempt to changeinspections administration announced a that would allow federal_in Spectors to cite violations at a nursing homeas “widespread” onlyif they are able to docu: ment that 75 percent or more of “will confuse and potentially mislead residents and family members seeking to’ learn aboutnursing homes.” Health and HumanServices a facility’s residents are affected bya problem. said the program announced THE ASSOCIATEDPRESS WASHINGTON pilot projectin five states Mon- day to help elderly and disabled Medicare recipients find good nursing homes. In January, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will begin collecting information on nursing homesin Colorado, Maryland, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington state. Thedata will be published in Tom Scully on Friday, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-lowa, and The lawmakerscitedaletter circulated by an agency official. State and federal inspections are based on a represen- tative sample of a nursing April “to help make people home's population. aware of how performancediffers across nursing homes,”officials said. Families will be able to go online for such data as the prevalence of physical restraints at a facility and the frequency. with which residents contract new infections. Medicare hopes morestates will opt into the program over the next year,althoughpartici- The lawmakerssaid a sample is used because“it would be pation is not mandatory. The agency has been accused of attempting to weaken nursing home inspection standards. In letter to Medicare chief too time-consuming and costly to review the records of every nursing homeresident.” “Tf your proposal is finalized, thousands of nursing homeswith serious violations could receivelessercitations,” the lawmakers. The administration was criticized in September after reports surfaced that the agencywas considering fewer nursing home inspections. Agency officials denied the reports, Scully this week again Tuesday, November20, 2001 --+ 25-40% OFF NATIVITY SETS SALE 24.99 ai ae 11-PC. NATIVITY Mm Secretary Tommy Thompson Monday will improve patient care. “If you're compared with your peers and you'renot measuring up, you're going to do everything you can to improve it,” Thompson said. He said he would like to eventually offer similar information on hospi: tals and otherclinics. Scully said “better information on quality” will give the elderly and disabled a voice in their health care decision The National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform lauded the increased information but warnedthatit is not a substitute for vigorous enforcement of health and safety standards. “Quality indicators can neversubstitute for annual on- site inspections,” Lenhoff, the group’s said Donna executive director. -" OUR PRICE"69.99 «.... PFALTZGRAFF WINTERBERRY Place setting includes dinner and salad plates, soup/cereal bowl and mug. Shown: A. Summer Breeze. puccino: G. Choices. Mfr. sugg. *35-37.50. Service for 4, Place setting includes 4 each dinner and salad plates, soup/cereal bow! and mug.Mfr. sugg.*115. 40% off matching accessories. 14.99 YOUR CHOICE eG 19.99 YOUR CHOICE WeNata sat s ae:1d to reduced prices. fences oy and ay may not have resulted in sales. aes, Extra avs ‘avalable a Sale prices in upcoming sale CHARGE IT WITH MEIER & FRANK. WE ALSO WELCOMEVISA, SBMASTERCARD ANDDISCOVER R & FRANK ll the right choices y ORDER ANYTIME: TOLL FREE 1-800-452-6323, |
