We need to hear from you regarding your nursing home survey experience – Here’s how
As we’ve reported, in May members and WHCA/WiCAL staff met with leadership at DQA on resetting expectations and relationships between nursing home providers and DQA surveyors.
As part of the efforts to rebuild the relationships between providers and surveyors, DQA, WHCA/WiCAL, LeadingAge Wisconsin, and providers sought to increase feedback on the surveys themselves.
Currently, at the end of every survey, included in the Statement of Deficiencies (SOD) is a link to DQA’s Post-Survey Questionnaire. We are pleased that DQA has also included the questionnaire in the revisions to the Shared Expectations document that should be reviewed with the Administrator or DON upon entrance for the survey. Additionally, here is a link to their survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7754814/DQA-Post-Survey-Questionnaire
In their most recent numbers, DQA indicated an 8% completion rate of the Post-Survey Questionnaire through Q2 of 2025. Bureau Director Jessica Radtke is aiming to double that to 16% by the end of the year, and DQA Acting Administrator Alfred Johnson is aiming for a 50% response rate by the end of the year.
In addition to DQA’s post-survey efforts, WHCA/WiCAL also has a Post-Survey Questionnaire which can be found here: https://www.whcawical.org/whca-nursing-home-post-survey-questionnaire/
The number of responses to our Post-Survey Questionnaire remains low as well. We understand that filling out yet more paperwork after dealing with a stressful survey process is not ideal. However, getting this first-hand information about both the positive and negative survey experiences is crucial for tracking survey trends, addressing individual and systemic issues with surveys, and for advocating for reforms with DQA.
We understand that there remain concerns about retaliation. However, we still need your feedback in order to advocate for you and to know the current survey landscape and trends. We have received assurances that there will not be retaliation stemming from feedback on surveys. However, if you do feel that you are being treated unfairly or being retaliated against, please let Alfred Johnosn and Jessica Radtke know immediately.
Lastly, we recognize that you have many other responsibilities and priorities, like caring for your residents. If you do not have the time and opportunity to complete the full survey questionnaire, but have other positive feedback regarding the survey process, or negative concerns or trends that you are noticing, please reach out to Eric Koch, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs either by email at ekoch@whcawical.org or by phone at 920-915-4726. We value and we need your input and feedback on the survey process in order to best represent you and advocate for you with DQA.
