In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, we now know that well over 1,000 nursing homes “experienced an average overall mortality rate approaching 20%”, according to a recent report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The report also noted that findings that “more than 1,300 nursing homes had extremely high infection rates – 75 percent or more” with a disproportionate majority consisting of for-profit nursing homes. The report went on to note that this is especially concerning as “high COVID-19 transmission in a county did not always lead to nursing homes in that county reaching extremely high infection rates.” Based on these numbers, nursing homes were not prepared to tackle the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, nor were they equipped to mediate the impact once the vulnerability of nursing homes was clear. OIG concluded that “significant changes are needed to protect the health and safety of residents and better prepared nursing homes for current and future health emergencies.” This report and the recent increase in disclosure requirements for nursing homes highlights a renewed focus on the overall effectiveness of care provided to residents, and the need for nursing home providers to have an ongoing review of their operations and compliance programs. To learn more about the OIG review and the steps toward better protections, read the article here from the Office of Inspector General.