Hilda Voisin Buquet
August 25, 2009
Mary Little McFarland
August 27, 2009
No one at Terrebonne General Medical Center’s Skilled Nursing Facility knew state Department of Health and Hospitals inspectors were coming, but it wouldn’t have mattered.
The hospital was 100 percent compliant with the state’s requirements for long-term care facilities.
DHH conducts an annual 3-day evaluation and inspection of all Louisiana nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.
The inspection ensures facilities are meeting state guidelines as well as staffing and safety requirements.
And the inspections are completely unannounced.
Congress sets certain requirements for facilities enrolled in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, which long-term care facilities are required to meet. State governments conduct health and fire safety inspections and investigate complaints in accordance with an agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
TGMC sailed through the inspection, receiving no deficiencies or recommendations for improvement, according to the state DHH report.
“We were found to be 100 percent compliant and there were no recommendations,” Joe Plunkett, nurse director of medicine/oncology/skilled nursing facility, said in a release. “It reflects that our patients are taken care of by a competent staff that follows all of the DHH guidelines for long-term care facilities.”
Among the requirements, caregivers must be trained in specific areas, including safety, recognizing abuse, preventing falls, pressure ulcers and the like.
They must also be able to handle medications, be adequately staffed, have a clean kitchen and follow proper dietary practices and be prepared for emergencies.
“I am very proud of the dedication and commitment the Skilled Nursing Facility staff has for their patients and community,” Plunkett said.
“The results of this evaluation reinforce that effort.”
In accordance with CMS requirements, results of TGMC’s inspection are available for public review at the hospital.
Terrebonne General Medical Center sailed through the state Department of Health and Hospital’s 3-day inspection of its Skilled Nursing Facility. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER
