The Top 10 Assisted Living Deficiencies

Last year, the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) conducted a state-by-state assessment of the most common regulatory citations in assisted living communities.  The results of the 2013 Top 10 Deficiencies Report can help assisted living facilities in their regulatory compliance efforts.

ALFA contacted each state’s regulatory agency to compile a list of the 10 most common assisted living citations.  The deficiencies were placed in one of 17 categories, making it possible to compare deficiencies across states.

ALFA found several deficiencies that were common across states.  Medication administration was the most commonly cited deficiency, reported in 76 percent of states.  This deficiency citation includes not providing medication as directed, having an outdated physician order, and incorrect medication administration documentation.  Other common deficiencies across states include admission requirements (66 percent of states), ongoing resident assessment (62 percent of states), and resident care (62 percent of states).

ALFA found that the 10 most commonly cited deficiencies in Colorado are the following:

1. compliance with physician orders (medication administration);
2. medication storage;
3. policies and procedures (medication storage);
4. interior and exterior environment (maintenance and building code);
5. food service sanitation;
6. written orders (medication administration);
7. background checks — other staff and volunteers;
8. administration of medication and treatment;
9. current first-aid certification; and
10. administration of medication

Based on ALFA’s assessment, six out of the 10 most common deficiencies relate to medication administration.

Assisted living facilities should focus compliance efforts, including training, audits, and policy development, on the commonly cited deficiencies, particularly medication administration

Image courtesy of Flickr by Charles Williams