Board and Care: Insufficient Assurances That Residents' Needs Are Identified and Met
HRD-89-50
Published: Feb 10, 1989. Publicly Released: Mar 10, 1989.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed board and care facilities for elderly and disabled adults, focusing on: (1) industry size; (2) the characteristics and needs of residents; (3) states' regulation and monitoring of facilities; and (4) the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) role in overseeing facilities.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress may wish to direct HHS to conduct a comprehensive assessment of states' oversight activities for their board and care population. This assessment should determine the adequacy of: (1) licensing and regulatory requirements; (2) resources committed to their enforcement; and (3) efforts to identify whether residents' needs are being met. | OBRA 1990 included a requirement for HHS to develop regulations that set minimum quality standards and compliance mechanisms for certain providers of care, including board and care operators. Further, in response to the HHS IG recommendation, HHS is establishing a board and care home task force to oversee its board and care initiatives. | |
| Congress may wish to direct HHS to report to Congress findings and, if appropriate, recommendations as to: (1) subsequent steps needed to ensure the protection of board and care residents; and (2) changes needed to the Keys Amendment to make it more effective. | OBRA 1990 included a requirement for HHS to develop regulations that set minimum quality standards and compliance mechanisms for certain providers of care, including board and care operators. |
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Topics
Elder careElderly personsstate relationsHealth care servicesIncome maintenance programsLicensesNursing homesPeople with disabilitiesRehabilitation programsState programsSupplemental security income