IHAP
Improving Protocols for Home Health Agency Assessment in the Survey Process
(Home Health Survey Project)

Funded by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Project Period: 2001 - 2004

The purpose of this contract is to assess the existing home health survey process and make recommendations for improvements to it that are patient-focused, outcome-oriented, data-driven, cost-effective, and efficient. The process includes the use of available CMS data and analytic files, including Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and survey data. The outcome-focused protocols to be developed under this contract will include protocols for both offsite and onsite monitoring. As appropriate, we will evaluate the effectiveness of current survey forms, develop new ones as applicable, and make recommendations for prioritizing onsite survey time. A phased approach will be used, the first phase focusing on the incorporation of the Outcome-Based Quality Monitoring (OBQM) and Outcome-Based Quality Improvement (OBQI) reports that are available to home health agencies and surveyors nationally. Phase II includes an investigation of how to best enhance the survey process under the current Conditions of Participation (CoPs). Some possible areas for development include patient satisfaction, patient protection and rights, clinical conditions, and survey frequency. During the final phase (Phase III) we will provide recommendations to CMS on how to enhance the survey process in the future, including potential changes to the CoPs.

Key Staff: Crisler, Richard, Bennett, Hittle, Schlenker

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