In the July 2020 report, Pennsylvania Department of Health nursing home surveyors conducted 330 inspections of nursing homes, including 295 complaint investigations. Of these, 227 were COVID-19 specific. In addition, one sanction was finalized against a nursing care facility, which included the issuance of a civil penalties totaling $9,250. “We know that congregate care settings, including nursing homes, have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Levine said. “That is why we remain committed to protecting the health and well-being of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians by continuing to hold nursing home operators accountable, as necessary, to ensure they are providing safe care. If you see something at a nursing home that doesn’t seem right, we encourage you to speak up.” The department completed all COVID-19 infection control surveys by the July 31 deadline set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These surveys will be posted on the website 41 days after the survey exit date, allowing for time for facilities to provide responses and submit their plans of correction, as needed.
