In September 2019, the Arizona Auditor General (AZAG) published the Performance Audit and Sunset Review (2019 Report) for the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). The 2019 Report included the AZAG’s findings related to how ADHS handled complaints for long-term care (LTC) facilities in 2017 and 2018, and five recommendations to improve the complaint process. [...]
Note: This week is National Public Health Week. This week I have a five-part public health series that explores the vast network of programs and services that help improve the health and wellness of all Arizonans. Public health includes programs that work to ensure that we are safe whether in everyday life or during an [...]
Last Saturday our Licensing team hit the mark at Showtime- when it matters most. After hearing that the Fountain Retirement Hotel had put residents on notice it was closing, we immediately became concerned that staff would stop showing up, food and medication would not be given out, and the residents would be turned out into the [...]
The role of a surveyor can be a difficult one. Our team of licensing surveyors need to maintain neutrality as regulators and be able to apply the Arizona Administrative Code (otherwise known as “the rules”) to a wide variety of facilities within the healthcare system. Part of our surveillance includes investigating complaints- which can be generated from [...]
Colby Bower will serve as our Interim Assistant Director for Licensing while we recruit and hire a permanent Assistant Director. Colby has been serving as our Legislative Affairs chief for the last couple of years. Colby fills several of the criteria that we needed for the interim post: 1) He’s a good risk manager and [...]
“Promoting Health and Wellness for all Arizonans" is the motto of the Arizona Department of Health Services. We promote and protect the health of Arizona's children and adults and set the standard for personal and community health through direct care, science, public policy and leadership. Want a piece of the action? We’re looking for an [...]
Many folks don’t know that our Licensing division undergoes a periodic audit (survey) to look at compliance to our Federal contract with the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services (CMS). This past week, 3 surveyors from the regional office of CMS came to review our Long Term Care and Medical Facilities areas. This survey centered on [...]
We’ve got a lot to be proud of over the last year and an half. It’s been hard, I know because of all of the budget reductions and the lower staffing level. On the other hand, we’ve got an incredible mission and we’re doing a good job. I often tell people that we work in [...]
