Congress wants more oversight over nursing homes to help address inspection backlog

WASHINGTON — The growing backlog of nursing home inspections has Congress on high alert.

Lawmakers discussed how to improve the quality and safety of these facilities nationwide during a committee hearing Thursday.

This is an issue that impacts so many people across the country.

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According to the congressional committee, about one out of nine nursing homes hasn’t completed an annual inspection in two years. Experts say the delays can put patients at risk.

“In one example, a complaint alleged that a resident with known high blood sugar did not have glucose testing strips available and then died,” said Erin Bliss, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

Bliss told lawmakers other serious complaints involve allegations of patient neglect and even abuse.

They say state inspection agencies - known as survey agencies - are required to conduct these reviews every 15 months.

But officials explain many delays are caused by staffing shortages that only got worse during the pandemic.

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“States have pointed to long hours and not being able to offer high enough hours to be able to compete for nurses,” said Bliss. “State agencies have also faced increasing numbers of complaints requiring on-site investigations.”

Democrats and Republicans on the committee agree addressing the staffing issues and expanding the workforce is critical.

State leaders say more federal funding would help with proactive measures.

“The recertification surveys are very, very important. Those are a comprehensive look at all of the regulatory requirements and creates or results in identified issues before they become so severe that they harm residents,” said Shelly Williamson, Board of Directors for the Association of Health Facility Survey Agencies.

State officials say more federal support would also help them recruit new staff for inspections and offer more competitive pay.

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