Miami University

What are the most prevalent nursing facility deficiencies in Ohio and nationally?

Deficiencies are violations of state or federal regulations that have been discovered either during a facility’s inspection (also known as survey) or through a complaint. The deficiencies that were most frequently cited in the U.S. in 2000, in order of highest to lowest prevalence were: Food Sanitation, Quality of Care, Accidents, Accident Prevention, Pressure Sores, Comprehensive Care Plans, Dignity, Housekeeping, Professional Standards, and ADL Services.

The chart shown below compares the prevalence of these deficiencies in Ohio with the country as a whole. The prevalence of Ohio’s deficiencies often closely mirrors that of the U.S. – as with Food Sanitation (with 28.2% in both Ohio and U.S.) and with Housekeeping (with 16.0% and 16.2% in Ohio and the U.S respectively). Two notable exceptions to this similarity in deficiency between the state and U.S. are Professional Standards (Ohio: 24.9%, U.S.: 15.1%) and Quality of Care (Ohio: 13.6%, U.S. 22.3%).



Source: Harrington, C., Carrillo, H., & Wellin, V. (2001). Nursing Facilities, Staffing, Residents, and Facility Deficiencies, 1994-2000. San Francisco, CA: University of California- San Francisco.

To learn more about regulation and enforcement in the long-term care industry click on Ohio Long-Term Care Factbook by L.D. Murdoch and contributors (2002).