What is involved in an official nursing home inspection?

A: All nursing homes licensed in Virginia are subject to unscheduled and unannounced inspections.  Inspectors conduct routine inspections as part of the licensing process and also conduct inspections in response to a complaint.  The inspectors follow a manual issued by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Here is a link to recent revisions to the manual.

The inspectors are charged with evaluating the physical facility, the qualifications of the staff, and most importantly the care provided to the patients.  Each patient should have documented physical assessments and a care plan designed to maximize their quality of life.  Nursing homes that do not comply with the regulations can be issued citations.  In most cases they are given an opportunity to implement a plan of correction.  If they fail multiple inspections or fail to implement appropriate plans of correction they risk losing their license.