In 1987, Congress approved and President Reagan signed legislation that fundamentally altered the way nursing homes are inspected. More than two decades later, a Democratic Senator from Wisconsin wants to take a closer look at how the new rules are working out.

Russ Feingold’s measure would call on the Institute of Medicine to study the survey and certification process.

Among the issues the IOM would be required to assess:

• Alternatives to the current survey and certification system.

• Current survey methods for evaluating nursing homes.

• The relationship between nursing homes/the industry and CMS and how such a relationship impacts efforts to improve quality.

• The methodology used by CMS.

• The relationship between CMS and the state agencies.

• An evaluation of states and their respective agencies.

• The objectivity and accuracy of the current process.

• Effectiveness of current enforcement measures.

• Whether the current system measures effectively.

• Whether the current system allows stakeholders or other agencies and entities to engage in other/alternative innovations.

“This legislation will help bring nursing home quality assurance into the twenty-first century and ensure a better quality of life for current and future nursing home residents,” Feingold said.