Government shutdown halts nursing home inspections

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ home page currently notes: “Due to the government shutdown, information on this website may not be up to date." For information, visit USA.gov.

The inflexibility of Congress to compromise has virtually halted safety inspections not only in nursing homes, but in nuclear plants, mines, food inspection and other vital areas.

According to an article in the Insurance Journal, routine surveys to assess safety, clinical care and medication issues have been suspended during the shutdown. Some federal agencies are continuing to conduct inspections, but must do so with fewer people on board.

While federal inspections are in limbo, state regulators continue to conduct surveys and federal inspectors will become involved if they receive a complaint, according to a LeadingAge senior policy analyst.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.