The tracker is a most valuable tool for all. Many staff, working in units, do NOT get the opportunity to read these reports as only management are aware of such data collected. Also, many patients are not aware that they can obtain a copy of their facility inspection report -- unlike nursing homes, dialysis units do NOT have to post these inspection (surveys) reports for anyone to read. Interesting, I find, as when the new regulations were being revised, I did suggest such, but, not to my surprise, our oversight government agency did not include this in the final regulations. Surveys for California from 2009-2011 can be viewed at our website as we have posted such -- patients often ask their facility management person for a copy of the survey or to read it, however, as myself, many were denied such request. These can be obtained through the state survey agency (SSA) - usually the Department of Health - that conducts the inspection on behalf of the federal government oversight agency (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - CMS)
Roberta Mikles BA RN - Dialysis Patient Safety Advocate -
www.qualitysafepatientcare.com