Final Nursing Home Quality Results Expected Soon

The Department of Health (DOH) has advised LeadingAge NY that the 2019 Nursing Home Quality Initiative (NHQI) scores should be finalized by mid-July. Facilities were previously asked to review their draft 2019 score sheets and notify DOH of any issues.

A DOH document describing the 2019 methodology is available here. Once scores are finalized, each home is assigned an overall quintile of performance, and the results will be posted here. Payment adjustments associated with the 2019 NHQI are likely to be made toward the end of the 2020 calendar year.

Members should also be aware that certain reporting requirements that will affect the 2020 NHQI have been delayed:

• DOH has issued a directive announcing an extension of the due date for the Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination Report from May 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020, in recognition of the time and attention the COVID-19 crisis has required. Timely filing of this report is used to award five points under the NHQI Quality Component and another five points under the Compliance Component.
• DOH has advised that the 2019 nursing home cost report is due Sept. 15, 2020. Timely filing of this report is used to award five points under the NHQI Quality Component.

With 15 points at stake out of a possible 100 points under the NHQI, member nursing homes should ensure timely filings of these reports.

Contact: Dan Heim, dheim@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866