For Immediate Release
6/26/07

CONTACT:

Tracy Polovick
Coordinator of Communications and Outreach
(717) 787-8524

Senate Passes Vance Bill Addressing Inspection Backlog

Harrisburg - The licensure status of facilities caring for the elderly and disabled would be available via the Internet under legislation approved today by the Senate, said prime sponsor Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York).

“Although the Department of Public Welfare is working to improve its inspection timetable for personal care homes, families have a right to know if their loved one is in a facility without a current inspection,” Vance said. “While it does not automatically mean that a facility lacking a timely inspection is offering compromised care, patients and their guardians have a right to make fully informed decisions. This legislation gives them some of the needed data.”

DPW disclosed a few months ago under questioning from Vance that 73 percent of personal care homes in the state have not been inspected on time.

Senate Bill 811 would require the creation of a Web site with licensing and certification information on nursing homes, personal care homes and domiciliary care homes. This data would include information on violations of statute or regulation by the facility and any corrective action taken.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Vance’s district includes all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.