Recent unannounced inspections of nursing homes across New Mexico have revealed concerning findings, with at least one violation discovered in 88% of the facilities. State health officials disclosed that out of the 91 assisted living facilities inspected, only 11 received a perfect score, while 55 were rated at 90%. Unfortunately, four nursing homes, two in Albuquerque and two in Gallup, failed their inspections.
During the three-day inspection period in May, health department staff identified various infractions detailed in a 31-page report. These violations ranged from breaches of rules and regulations to issues of room cleanliness. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her disappointment at the findings, emphasizing that the standard of care for seniors must be of the highest quality.
Patrick Allen of the state Department of Health echoed the governor's sentiments, acknowledging the need for improvement in long-term care services in New Mexico. He emphasized the commitment to rectifying the deficiencies and ensuring that seniors receive the care and respect they deserve.
Notably, nursing homes in New Mexico have faced criticism in the past, with reports indicating serious deficiencies in a significant number of Medicare- and Medicaid-certified facilities between 2015 and 2018. The state's health officials are determined to address these issues and elevate the quality of long-term care provided to seniors across the state.
