In a nutshell, it is simple. The state of Oregon wants to achieve two things with the Quality Measurement Program:
1. To help Oregonians understand the quality of care in facilities.
2. To help facilities in the state use the data to improve the quality of care
The motives seem pretty genuine, and let’s be honest… who can really argue with the intention of increasing transparency and improving the quality of care in the state?
So, Is Resident Satisfaction Really a Good Care Quality Indicator?
We think it’s one of the best. The whole reason care operators exist is to help improve the quality of life for their clients. Who better to ask if you are achieving that than your residents themselves?
Other quality metrics have a place and can provide useful data, but resident satisfaction is the measure that gives context and insight into everything else.
And What is this CoreQ stuff?
CoreQ is a set of 5 measures for Skilled Nursing Care Centres and Assisted Living communities to assess satisfaction among patients, residents, and their families. Those aren’t our words; we lifted them straight off their website.
The great thing about CoreQ is that experts developed it, and their work was commissioned by care providers (AHCA/NCAL). So, it was developed by your peers and adopted by legislators.
The resident satisfaction scores you upload onto the quality measurement portal must be the CoreQ score.
Why Should I Do This?
To start, you kind of have to. There is no getting around it in Oregon. It is state law. We don’t know exactly what happens if you don’t, but it can’t be good.
At the very least, you will be highlighted as someone who hasn’t submitted the data and complied with the law. Your current and prospective clients will know about it.
We don’t know what exact penalties are attached to non-compliance, but it’s conceivable to imagine there may be penalties, fines, and the worst-case scenario of license revocation imposed on those who don’t confirm, either today or in the future.
Can You Do This on Your Own?
Well, with the first four measurements, yes, you can. But the state wants resident satisfaction to be calculated by an independent third party.
Guess What? Resident Views is an independent third party. We are also a CoreQ approved vendor, so we can do this work for you!
You know what else? As former care operators, we know how important it is for you to have partners/vendors who understand how to keep things cost-effective and simple. We do just that.
To learn more about working with Resident Views, reach out to us here.
Sincerely,
Editor, Resident Views