WRANGELL, AK – SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) Wrangell Long-Term Care (WLTC) announced that it has successfully completed the annual survey by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with zero deficiencies. This achievement reflects the high quality of care and services provided by WLTC to its residents.
CMS is the federal agency that oversees the quality and safety of health care facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. CMS conducts surveys every year to evaluate whether facilities meet the standards and regulations for long-term care. The survey covers three areas: life safety, emergency preparedness and health. The surveyors observe the care administered along with the environment while conducting interviews with residents and staff, in addition to reviewing records and policies.
WLTC underwent the CMS survey from May 15 to May 19, 2023. The surveyors found no deficiencies in any of the three areas, meaning that WLTC met or exceeded all the requirements for long-term care. This is a rare feat, as only about 10 percent of long-term care facilities nationwide achieve a zero-deficiency survey, according to CMS.
“A zero-deficiency survey is an amazing testament to the caring and extremely skilled individuals who make up our whole team. We have the privilege of working with our residents and each day doing everything we can to make their lives better,” said Kay Turner, System Director of Long-Term Care, SEARHC. “Our team has worked hard to improve the entire system of care delivery – from daily interdisciplinary team meetings to quality goals, consistent rounding and care planning. This ensures every resident meets their highest potential, and that their needs, goals and preferences are also being met.”
WLTC is a 18-bed facility that provides skilled nursing care and personal assistance to residents who need 24-hour supervision and support. WLTC is part of the Wrangell Medical Center, a critical access hospital and long-term care facility that is operated by SEARHC, a non-profit health consortium serving 27 communities across Southeast Alaska.
Carly Allen, Wrangell Medical Center Administrator, is proud of the facility’s recent accomplishment: “A successful LTC survey is the result of many groups working in collaboration. It’s exciting to see what we can accomplish when we work together with our residents at the center.”
SEARHC congratulates WLTC for this outstanding achievement and is grateful to its staff, residents, families and community partners for their ongoing dedication and support.