Why It’s Important to be Deficiency Free

June 25, 2020

Skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities are among the most highly regulated entities in America. So when a facility receives a rating of “Deficiency Free” from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and a 5 star rating from CMS, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, that means that you or your loved one can expect the highest level of care in a safe environment. Further, it means that during the state’s most recent inspection, inspectors found zero deficiencies in care, services or the patient environment. To put that in perspective, only 1% of all nursing homes in Pennsylvania have been rated deficiency free.

Inspections are conducted by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on a “no” notice basis and are designed to hold health care providers accountable in multiple areas of patient services and patient life. CMS evaluates the following areas:

• Policies and Procedures
• Resident Care and quality of life
• Medication Administration
• Medical Record Keeping
• Kitchen Sanitation
• Staff Competencies
• Dietary and Nutritional needs
• Equipment 
• Safety and overall wellness of the community

Inspections are unannounced and generally take several days to perform. Not only do inspectors look to ensure that regulations are followed, but center residents, employees and resident family members are also randomly interviewed. In addition to inspecting policies and procedures, great attention is paid to patients’ quality of life, residents’ rights and quality of service. The process is comprehensive and thorough.
When a nursing home facility receives a “Deficiency Free” certification, it is proof that they have not only passed rigorous State and Federal screenings, but they have distinguished themselves as being among the best care providers in that State.
Chandler Hall takes great pride in having earned the Deficiency Free designation from The Department of Health and a 5 star rating from CMS. Not only have we worked very hard to earn both awards, we have worked even harder to earn your confidence and trust. Because, we will never be satisfied with anything less.