On Monday, September 19, the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) announced it has secured the services of a second private entity, Long Term Care Institute, Inc. (LTCI), to help conduct inspections in nursing homes and hospitals.

LTCI joins Healthcare Management Solutions (HMS) as a contracted survey services provider in Wisconsin. HMS’s contract began on Sept. 1, with HMS surveyors starting in the field September 16.

The contract with LTCI was very recently signed so they are not in the field yet.

LTCI, as an agent of the Department of Health Services (DHS), has unrestricted entry to facilities to conduct complaint investigations and recertification surveys, and ensure resident and patient care and services are provided, consistent with state statute, administrative code, and federal regulations. Identical to the process for HMS, if LTCI staff arrive at your facility, they will provide you with identification and a letter authorizing LTCI to function as an agent of DQA and conduct  survey activity. They will also have a State of Wisconsin badge that identifies them as a DHS contractor.

The HMS and LTCI teams will work both independently and as part of DQA teams. The decision will depend upon the survey backlog and the availability of HMS and LTCI surveyors. Wisconsin is one of a collection of states (as well as CMS) that has contracted with one or both companies. DQA will be meeting with company representatives on a weekly basis to monitor progress.