Gary, the Federal rating system isn't perfect, but it's better than nothing. The national "for profit" nursing home lobby is powerful and vigorously fights ANY legislation aimed at accountability and safety.

To the extent that Kentucky has few nursing home regulations, there are more problems here (and in all states that have few mandated standards). 39% of Kentucky homes are in the bottom of the rankings (one or two stars). Nationally, the number at the bottom is about 27%.

Inspectors are generally dedicated (except for the ones taking payoffs, and nearly 100 were caught last year, nationally), but are limited by the applicable standards laws in their states.

Many nursing home workers are caring and competent, but at least an equal number are not trained, underpaid, not certified, have criminal records, abusive, etc...again a by-product of a lack of established legal standards and resistance from the industry.

My involvement is much more than just in Kentucky. Over the last 5 years, I have made 27 trips out of state to participate in legal legislative hearings and have visited over 200 legislators around the country to try to influence their efforts on behalf of nursing home regulation. The Kentucky organization I work with got their 501(c) certification about a year ago, so for 4 plus years, I paid my own travel expenses, funded communications projects, etc. without being able to deduct the funds as donations.

I am a researcher/statistician (I teach statistics and research methodology at the graduate level, and supply research services to some of the country's largest organizations), and the numbers available nationally don't lie. We all know of a good or bad home and good or bad workers, but only when you do a statistically significant analysis of the national issues, frequencies, etc. do you really get a clear understanding of what I believe is a national shame.

The originators of the Federal rating system had no dark ulterior intent, unlike the "for profit" lobby groups who oppose and criticize the ratings system to avoid regulation and save money. And believe me, these organizations are extremely profitable. A quick check of the funds spent on lobbying efforts is shocking (those figures are readily available)...enough to significantly improve the service provided if spent on training, staff, oversight, etc.

Your criticisms of the rating systems are the same ones offered by the "for profits", who, again fight ANY AND ALL efforts to impose measurable, enforceable standards.

As far as the suggestion that playing for nursing homes, assisted living places, etc. is a worthwhile effort appreciated by the population/audience, I believe that's true. My only observation is that, around here, at least, the only ones working the NH/Assisted Living jobs are the ones on the bottom end of the talent pool...not able to get any other kind of work.

I do appreciate your input on this issue and admire your dedication to the work you do to entertain the country's "forgotten" citizens.


Sorry for the rant...

Russ



[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 05-19-2010).]