HMS Awarded State Contracts for Healthcare Facility Inspections in Kansas & Idaho

Exciting news: Healthcare Management Solutions (HMS) was recently awarded two state contracts—one with the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and another with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Through the contracts, we will assist these states with vital on-site inspections of healthcare facilities to ensure patients, residents and clients receive the quality care they deserve, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations. We are honored to be awarded this work and to have these opportunities to help protect vulnerable populations.

HMS Shares Kansas’ Commitment to Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes

Our contract with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) entails conducting urgent infection prevention and control surveys in every long-term care facility in the state of Kansas. 

The Kansas Legislature recently passed a bill which requires all long-term care facilities to complete COVID-19 focused surveys for infection control in accordance with the standards and guidelines provided by the federal Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by July 31, 2020, in order to maintain full FY 2021 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocations. 

HMS will support the state of Kansas in completing critical infection control surveys in all long-term care facilities across the state.

Each of the surveys will include a comprehensive assessment of the following:

• The overall effectiveness of the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP), including IPCP policies and procedures
• Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions
• Quality of resident care practices, including for those who have tested positive for COVID-19
• The surveillance plan
• Visitor entry and facility screening practices
• Education, monitoring, and screening practices of staff
• Facility policies and procedures to address staffing issues during emergencies

HMS will also investigate complaints of possible instances of abuse, neglect and exploitation, and conduct follow-up inspections to positive cases of COVID-19.

“The safety of nursing home residents and staff is our top priority,” says Leah Heimbach, president & owner of HMS. “We are honored to have been awarded this contract and are committed to doing everything possible to support KDADS in protecting vulnerable populations from COVID-19.”

HMS Partners with Idaho to Conduct Recertification, Follow-up Surveys and Complaint Investigations

Our contract with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare focuses on conducting on-site inspections of Intermediate Care Facility/Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID) and inspections of long-term care facilities, including follow-up and complaint investigations. HMS will support and partner with state survey teams in conducting recertification, follow-up surveys and complaint investigations — as well as anything the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) might deem necessary due to COVID-19. 

Recertification surveys are required by CMS for certified nursing homes. HMS will be partnering with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in inspecting nursing homes’ critical element pathways, conducting a comprehensive review of everything from infection control and nursing services, medication, diet and exercise, patients’ rights, the physical environment and much more.

“We are honored and excited to have this opportunity to work with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in support of its vital mission of helping Idahoans live safe, healthy and productive lives at all ages,” says Leah Heimbach, president & owner of HMS.

Idaho’s ethic of self-reliance, health, and independence doesn’t end at the door to a nursing home. In addition to making sure people are safe, clean, well fed, and of course not abused or neglected, these inspections also ensure that long-term care recipients are offered opportunities for friendship, for relationships, and have the ability to learn and continue their personal growth. Surveying long-term care facilities ensures that residents are able to enrich their lives with music, the arts, and pursue other interests.

“We’ll be using our technology, expertise and long-term survey tools to assist Idaho’s survey teams in making these processes as efficient as possible,” explains Heimbach. “It’s a hands-on partnership that is ultimately as helpful to providers’ quality assurance efforts as it is to the state agency and to all Idahoans who expect excellent nursing-facility care for themselves and their loved ones.”