An OIG report that identified deficiencies in emergency power systems at nursing homes does not tell the whole story on what facilities do in the way of emergency preparedness, according to a statement on the matter by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

The Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) said in the report that it estimated some 73 percent of nursing homes have “inadequate or unreliable emergency power systems.”

But AHCA/NCAL said power systems are just part of the story when it comes to emergency preparedness and that steady improvements are being made on the priority issue.

“Nursing homes operate under robust federal and state emergency preparedness requirements designed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and continuity of care during disasters, and the sector has made significant progress in strengthening these processes in recent years,” said Meghan Medvitz, director, quality improvement and emergency preparedness, AHCA.

She said while the OIG report focuses on emergency power systems, “it is important to recognize that these systems are one component of comprehensive preparedness efforts designed to protect residents in a wide range of emergency scenarios.”

Medvitz added that “we appreciate OIG’s attention to this issue and will continue encouraging compliance, while also encouraging policymakers to prioritize long-term care facilities for power restoration, resources, and the funding needed to support modern, reliable emergency systems.”

In closing its report, OIG recommended that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) share the results of the findings with nursing homes and emphasize the importance of having adequate and reliable emergency power systems. OIG said CMS concurred.

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.