People living in nursing homes are often quite vulnerable. They are not capable of living independently anymore and may need assistance with everything from taking their medication on time to getting dressed for the day in the morning. Families pay steep price tags for around-the-clock care in nursing homes because they want to ensure the safety and comfort of their aging loved ones.
Unfortunately, according to a recent report about audits conducted at nursing homes across Oklahoma, many facilities do not meet industry standards regarding the care and support they provide for older adults. Those operating nursing homes often have different priorities than those utilizing these facilities. Keeping costs as low as possible helps maximize profits, but it can also lead to regulatory noncompliance. Noncompliance issues can result in financial repercussions for businesses operating nursing homes, which is one reason why statewide audits may serve as a wake-up call for executives or investors.
What the state discovered
State employees in Oklahoma looked into conditions at 20 different facilities out of the 296 nursing homes currently operating across the state. The outcome of an in-depth review of the practices at those facilities paints a concerning image of life in nursing homes across Oklahoma.
The audit uncovered numerous major infractions, including deviations from standards that could put the health and safety of residents at risk. There were at least 98 deficiencies related to life safety, 32 associated with infection control and 16 stemming from emergency preparedness.
Non-compliance can be very costly
Nursing homes with major reported violations may end up cited for those violations. The cost of infractions can be quite high depending on the violation. The only way to avoid those costs is usually to make immediate changes to address deficiencies. In some cases, facilities may need to retrain staff members or invest heavily in facility improvements to bring the space back into compliance.
Public awareness of non-compliance with nursing home standards might prevent a facility from bringing in new residents. It is therefore crucial that those who operate or invest in nursing home facilities ensure that the standard of care at those facilities meets the expectations of regulatory agencies and residents.
Learning more about regulatory compliance is crucial for any business operating in the healthcare sector. Investors and executives who are proactive about compliance issues can theoretically maximize the profitability of a nursing home while minimizing the risk of poor patient care and outcomes.