Wisconsin Assisted Living Survey Process – DQA Meetings to Improve Communication and Collaboration

Over the last month the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) and its Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) hosted a series of weekly meetings with the four assisted living provider associations (WHCA/WiCAL, WALA, LeadingAge Wi, and DSPN) and several members from each association to identify issues and concerns in the current assisted living survey process in Wisconsin.

Numerous issues and concerns were identified by providers and associations, as well as numerous examples of when the survey process goes well. As a result of these meetings, BAL is working on a strategic plan document with the goal to improve collaboration between providers and BAL; to increase communication channels between providers, associations, and BAL; to foster relationships and build trust between providers and BAL, and to identify and promote efficiencies to improve quality and safety.

This is a work in progress and will be a process that requires continued engagement from the associations, providers and the Bureau. We will keep members updated on strategies and efforts to improve the assisted living survey process, additionally we welcome any feedback from members on suggestions for ways to improve the survey process, to improve collaboration and communication with BAL.

Lastly, we are here to help and to advocate on your behalf with DQA and BAL. If you are experiencing issues with the assisted living survey process, please reach out to Eric so that we can assist you. If you have been waiting for a revisit to lift a no admit order, if you need a revisit in order to receive your license, or if you received a citation for something that the surveyor can’t explain or doesn’t match with the regulations, please reach out so that we can help you and help get the situation addressed in a timely manner.