Ohio nursing homes may face tougher regulations if the guidelines the state’s health department plans to recommend this week are followed.

Wednesday, July 11, 2001

Ohio nursing homes may face tougher regulations if the guidelines the state’s health department plans to recommend this week are followed.

The guidelines will replace rules that fall below new federal minimum standards and haven’t been updated in 27 years.

One of the major recommendations sponsored by the health department will increase the amount of time dedicated to direct patient care.

Currently, nursing home staffs are required to spend 1.6 hours for each patient. The new guidelines will increase the amount of time to 2.75 hours. The federal guidelines established by the national Health Care Financing Administration calls for a minimum of 2 hours spent with patients.

The proposed guidelines have drawn attention from health care advocates and representatives from the nursing home agencies. Nursing home watchdog groups believe the standards are necessary to protect patients while nursing home advocate groups say the new regulations will increase the strain nursing homes are already under.

Locally, Rick Heaberlin, an owner of Jo-Lin Nursing Home, said he doesn’t think the increased time spent with patients will be a problem for his nursing home. Heaberlin said the nursing home he and his wife, Jo Linda, runs is staffed at a level "well above" state and federal minimum requirements.

He added that his staff members spend more than 2.75 hours with patients anyway. He explained that because of the increased staffing, his business can keep the staff-to-patient ratio lower. During the day shift, he said, the staff-to-patient ratio is one nursing aide to six or seven patients.

Although Heaberlin agrees with the proposed changes, he said one problem that could arise is the shortage for health care workers. He said at times, there is a lack of certified nursing aides and licensed practical nurses. He said to combat the shortage, his facility can offer CNA training and his site stays in contact with the Collins Career Center LPN program.

Roman Duvall, the nursing home administrator for Sun Set Nursing Center in Ironton, said although his facility exceeds current standards and already meets the proposed standards, additional regulations could be a burden to the industry.

The proposal will be presented Thursday.