Nursing homes fall short in state survey

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003 | 9:01 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Most nursing homes in Southern Nevada need to improve their patient care, according to an annual state inspection report.

The state Bureau of Licensure and Certification released results of its surveys this week, showing that 17 of the 23 nursing homes in Southern Nevada are not in full compliance with federal regulations involving patient care.

The inspections cover patient care, quality of life, physical environment, dietary services, physician and nursing services and administration.

Patient care includes medication, hydration, nutrition and activities.

Pam Graham, chief of the bureau, said Wednesday that the nursing homes came up short in a variety of areas.

Nearly all of the homes received satisfactory scores in the categories of physical environment, dietary services, doctor and nursing services and administration.

Charles Perry, executive director of the Nevada Health Care Association that represents nursing homes, said he has not seen the report and could not comment.

Six nursing homes in Clark County earned a satisfactory grade in all categories: Emmanuel Health Care Center, Integrated Health Services, Silver Hills Health Care Center, Torrey Pines Care Center and Silver Ridge Health Care Center, all in Las Vegas; and TLC Care Center in Henderson.

Other nursing homes did not fare as well in the report.

According to the survey:

Graham said that when a complaint is verified, the home has 10 days to come up with a plan of correction.

In Northern Nevada, only one of the 17 nursing homes gained a satisfactory rating in patient care, the Battle Mountain General Hospital home.