Lanterna Rally

Author: GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC HUMAN RESOURCES DIV.

Publisher:

Published: 1987

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13:

This report discusses the Medicaid management controls need to assure that mentally retarded residents of nursing homes receive the services they need to help them function independently. We conducted this review to ascertain whether mentally retarded persons treated in nursing homes have the same access to needed services as their counterparts in facilities for the mentally retarded. This evaluation is part of our effort to assess and quality-of-care issues related to Medicaid long-term care services. During the 1970's, attention was focused on the poor quality of care provided in state institutions for the mentally retarded. As states acted to reduced overcrowding and improve the quality of care in such institution, the retarded were increasingly admitted to nursing homes. Little attention has been focused, however, on the quality of care provided to the approximately 140,000 retarded nursing home residents supported by Medicaid. GAO reviewed Medicaid management controls to determine whether they adequately ensure that mentally retarded nursing home residents receive the services they need to help them function independently. Many services that retarded persons need are financed through Medicaid, a medical assistance program for the needy. Established as a partnership between federal and state governments, Medicaid finances care for the retarded in institutions and in nursing homes (i.e, skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities).