ICF/MR Surveys
Posted by: CQL on 12/29/2006
Filed under: Iowa
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
The Situation
The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) is a multifaceted regulatory agency charged with protecting the health, safety and well being of Iowans. The agency is responsible for inspecting, licensing and/or certifying health care providers, including ICF/MR programs on behalf of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS has requirements for when all surveys should take place as a part of their fiscal agreement with each state.
In late 2005, DIA was faced with a shortage of trained ICF/MR surveyors and a backlog of ICF/MR surveys that needed to be completed within a short time frame. Sixty different ICFs/MR were either overdue for inspection or were soon to be reviewed.
What CQL Did
CQL deployed teams of federally trained ICF/MR surveyors to conduct surveys of 60 ICFs/MR within 11 weeks. This met all time constraints and enabled the Department of Inspections and Appeals to ensure the safety of individuals in the ICF program and remain in compliance with CMS regulations.
“CQL staff timely performed both the assigned surveys and the submission of draft survey reports. I have been informed that the assigned surveys were performed with great technical knowledge of both the survey functions and the standards governing these facilities. In addition, CQL’s technical knowledge was complimented by the necessary degree of professionalism … Thank you for playing a valued role in DIA’s oversight of the care treatment and services provided to the vulnerable Iowans residing in the facilities you surveyed.”
Steven K. Young, Director, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals