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RoniRN

I don't understand the criticism. Isn't this what is suppose to happen? The purpose of inspections, whether it's food production, aviation, or health care, is to identify the areas that can be improved. I suppose it's the natural role of the industry is to defend itself and minimize the criticism. Frankly, I surprised that this facility isn't whining "poor me" and "we've been abused by government". If the outcome of this process is improved quality of care for patients then the process works. All service systems have errors and people do make mistakes. It's ashame that some industries have to be shamed in the media before they make the changes. I work in a hospital. We dread the the state inspectors and Joint Commission coming in to the facility. We know our jobs are on the line and everyone is looking to blame someone--usually the nurse. The inspections are different now than it use to be because they seem to be coming in more often and don't turn their heads to the problems. As an employee, when I identify something that could be improved I don't get supported by hospital administration to implement my idea but if the state inspector or Joint Commission notes it you can be assured the change will be made. With the economy bad and profits down I know that cost saving measures often result in cutting corners. This isn't the time to reduce inspections in health care. This reporter seems to have more depth than others in the local media. It would be terrific if all of the press explained the quality improvement process so the public understood rather than reduce an issue to conflict between quality inspections and the for profit industry. Keep it up!

Finally action by the State of Nevada Department of Health. The Board of Medical Examiners should take lessons from this Advisory Committee on how to hold people accountable to the public. Cheers to Dr. Heard! These issues have been going on for years as well as the smugness and complacency of state officials defending their actions (or lack of action). What has changed in Carson City? Legislative and Governor support? Department leadership? Staff who aren't bureaucrats? From the Hepatitis C crisis to the foreign physician program we are finally seeing action being taken by State government. What happened to the people who allowed all of these problems to happen? We're they punished? Progress has been made in responding to a problem but let's see if the State Department of Health can prevent problems like this in the future. Keep looking and reporting Las Vegas Sun, beause maybe it's your reporting that makes change happen! Roni

The law should require all licensed health providers to report if they know or observe violations of standards of care. I agree that only setting standards and providing penalties and sanctions can motivate the health care industry to change. I also think the state Health Director is handsome! He must be new because he doesn't look or sound like the rest of the good-old-cowboys in Carson City.