The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is stepping up its game in ensuring the safety and quality of long-term care for the state's older adults and individuals with disabilities. In a strategic move to enhance regulatory oversight, ODHS has employed the services of Alvarez and Marsal (A&M), a consulting firm known for its expertise in such matters. The firm was selected after a competitive bidding process and is charged with the task of thoroughly evaluating ODHS's licensing and regulatory unit.
The assessment conducted by A&M is aimed to not only scrutinize current procedures but also to identify potential areas for improvement, ensuring the state's long-term care facilities are up to par. In addition, the review will be beneficial to responsibly determine if ODHS has adequate staff and resources, so as to efficiently work with providers and secure the well-being of residents. According to ODHS, the consultation will provide insights into best practices that can be adapted to fortify the unit's operations.
Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D., the Director of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD), expressed optimism about the ongoing assessment. "With the external assessment we will gain an independent perspective on our practices that will help us continue to improve and build upon our strengths," Knight-Coyle stated. This initiative is but one part of broader APD efforts, which include strategic planning and new safety measures, elucidating a commitment to the security of Oregon's vulnerable demographics.
Recent initiatives have seen APD energize its approach toward ensuring safety, launching a new webpage providing transparency on long-term care facilities with admission restrictions or increased monitoring due to compliance issues. In another bid to maintain integrity and quality of service, APD leaders conduct monthly in-person visits to both noncompliant and commendable facilities. Additionally, they have stepped in to fill nine new positions on the licensing inspection team. These roles will include compliance specialists and supervisory figures who will evaluate whether facilities are sufficiently staffed to meet the needs of their residents. "This investment will make it possible for us to be more proactive. We will be able to identify licensing concerns earlier which gives us an opportunity to step in and correct problems before they result in harm to people,” said Corissa Neufeldt, APD's Deputy Director of Safety and Regulatory Oversight.
On top of these measures, APD's proposed budget for 2025-2027, which is included in the Governor's Recommended Budget, seeks to add nineteen additional positions to fortify its licensing and regulatory oversight. This is a clear response to the needs of a growing population reliant on long-term care, and the corresponding increase in the number of facilities licensed in the state. Leveraging new resources will provide more comprehensive oversight for newly licensed providers, ensuring residents' needs are prioritized and safety protocols strictly followed. The adoption of these new plans and resources signals a strategic enhancement in the care provided to Oregon's elderly and disabled, aiming to uphold the quality of life and dignity for all within the community.
