The Impact of a Regulatory Intervention on Resident-Centered Nursing Home Care: Rhode Island’s Individualized Care Pilot

Overview

In an effort to use the annual nursing home survey process to promote resident-centered care practices, the Rhode Island Department of Health implemented the Individualized Care Pilot from November 1, 2007, to April 30, 2008.

The initiative promoted resident-centered care primarily through activities integrated with the annual recertification inspection. In addition to enhancing existing survey processes, the pilot incorporated a visit from the state Quality Improvement Organization into the survey process itself.

This study assessed the impact of that pilot on resident-centered care practices. Online surveys were sent to administrators at all Rhode Island nursing homes pre- and post-pilot. Based on reports from participating homes, the pilot helped nursing home administrators understand, consider, and implement resident-centered care. The findings paint a promising picture about the potential to spur provider change through a multipronged approach centered on the regulatory process.