The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 18 announced it will soon launch a ranking system of U.S. nursing homes, giving each a “star” rating. The ratings will be posted on the agency’s Nursing Home Compare web site beginning in December 2008.
The agency is also considering adding new information to that already available on Nursing Home Compare such as whether a nursing home specializes in caring for patients with dementia, on ventilators, or in need of specialized rehabilitation services. Information on patient and family satisfaction with services at a facility may also be added to Nursing Home Compare.
During June and July the agency is soliciting ideas, comments, and suggestions from the public, consumer groups, nursing homes, and many others. Read the press release.
