Quality Of Care Issues Index
Quality Care NY has compiled the following list of issues that we feel are critical to children and adults with developmental disabilities. In the near future we will be providing links to articles for each quality care issue listed. QCNY expects that with your input this list will grow and with your involvement these issues will represent the highest quality of care.
* CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FROM ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION
* CONSUMER SAFETY PROTECTIONS
* CONSUMER CHOICE PROTECTION
* ADEQUATE STAFF TRAINING
* HIGH STAFF TURNOVER
* PROTECTION OF CONSUMER RIGHTS: Legal, Human, and Civil
* ADEQUATE STAFFING
* ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALITY STANDARDS
* WORKPLACE SAFETY
* STANDARDS FOR APPROPRIATE USE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS
* RESPECTFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT
The New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) is the government body that regulates the ARCs.
OMRDD inspects the facilities to make sure that individuals in the care of the ARCs are in a safe, healthy environment that will foster the person's growth and development.
When OMRDD completes an inspection at a facility an Exit Conference is held, where the inspector reviews any problems with the facility managers. Some problems are minor and easily fixed, such as a loose handrail or a snowy walkway. Problems like these are often fixed on the same day, before the inspector even leaves the facility.
Some problems, however, are so serious that OMRDD issues a Statement of Deficiency (SOD).
These problems can include such things as not having the right medications available on-site for consumers' health problems, not holding fire drills as required by law, failing to provide appropriate medical treatment for the consumers, or failing to train staff in the appropriate way to care for the consumers.
OMRDD expects problems like these to be corrected as soon as possible. If they are not, and conditions continue to be sub-standard, OMRDD has the authority to shut that facility down.
We know that providing quality care is a tough job - we do it every day.
So just like OMRDD, we'll be keeping our eyes out, too. Check back for updates!