Connecticut Behind In Home Health Care Agency Inspections

According to a recent Connecticut Health Investigative Team article, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is approximately six months behind in its inspection of home health care agencies, which must occur at least every three years under federal law. But the article highlights a larger issue: DPH’s inability under state law to impose fines when problems are discovered during inspections. In cases of serious violations, DPH may enter into a consent order with an agency, under which the agency agrees to correct the problem. In addition, serious violations may also result in the loss of Medicare certification, although this rarely happens.

While a federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid spokesperson notes that some states do impose fines against home health care agencies, none of the New England states routinely do so. CMS is currently drafting regulations regarding home health care agency penalties and enforcement, according to the article.

DPH expects its inspections to be back on schedule by the end of the year.