|
Let’s ask Jo! She’ll know!
Q: I just saw an article about patient safety violations by home care agencies in Iowa. Is the situation as disturbing as it sounds or am I reading this wrong?
A: Yes, it is and no, you aren't. Nearly every inspected provider had violations and four of them are run by county governments. Read: Do not depend on bureaucrats for effective oversight. Furthermore, if an agency accepts only commercial insurance and/or private pay and is not Medicare/Medicaid certified, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has no regulatory role. None. And according to this article, only about ten percent of the providers that are certified have been inspected in 2023. (BTW, IDHHS doesn't even keep a list of the non-certified providers.)
How can we preserve patient safety in home care?
For starters, please give the selection of a home care provider at least as much deliberation as, say, finding a new barber or stylist. Narrow the field by asking friends and health care professionals you trust for recommendations. Does your PCP's employer have a home care division, and is there coordination with your PCP? If so, those are two pluses. You can check the Medicare site for CMS and patient ratings, but do not rely solely on that information, positive or negative. Lastly, interview before hiring: "What training do your personnel receive?" "Have they passed background checks?" "Exactly what services will be provided and how often?" "What were the results of your most recent state inspection, if there was one?" And plan ahead—there are now waiting lists.
Iowa's crippling shortage of Direct Care Workers is becoming very personal. Nevertheless, being an engaged and proactive health care consumer preserves rights to access and patient safety. It really does.
| 
