Furber and Bailey: Nursing home residents group updates statute, changes name

Lisa Furber

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGARET BAILEY

Margaret Bailey

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGARET BAILEY

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New legislation relating to the Delaware Nursing Home Residents Quality Assurance Commission went into effect Nov. 23.

Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 155 was sponsored by Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, D-Elsmere, and Rep. Eric Morrison, D-Glasgow, and includes the following:

• Adds two membership positions, for LeadingAge New Jersey and Delaware and for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Delaware Valley chapter
• Provides authority for the commission to seek grants
• Allows subcommittees the ability to act on behalf of the commission, consistent with its purpose
• Permits the executive director to speak on behalf of the commission, consistent with its mission
• Specifies a name change

DNHRQAC has been instrumental in providing a voice for Delaware long-term care residents. It is vital that the commission continues to collaborate with the industry and stakeholders, so that Delaware’s aging population is receiving appropriate services and supports, and is safe from harm. This includes things like the skilled nursing facility staffing requirements, commonly referred to as “Eagle’s Law.”

The commission is responsible for monitoring Delaware’s quality assurance system for skilled nursing facilities and assisted-living facilities, per Delaware Code. It includes state and privately operated facilities, reviews agencies responsible for providing regulatory oversight and hosts monthly public meetings. This information is posted on the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar.

Also effective Nov. 23, the commission was renamed the “Delaware Residents’ Protection Commission.” The change came about after a Joint Legislative and Oversight Sunset Committee review and after SS 2 for SB 155. The commission was reviewed by the committee a while back, and it suggested that the agency consider changing its name to something easier to remember.

Currently, the commission is conducting a satisfaction survey for residents, family members/caregivers and staff. The survey questions are related to quality of care/life and safety, and is being administered via SurveyMonkey and a QR code. It takes two to five minutes.

The Delaware Residents’ Protection Commission is part of the judicial branch, specifically within the Administrative Office of the Courts. Contact us at drpc@delaware.gov or 302-836-2133.

Lisa Furber

Chair, Delaware Residents’ Protection Commission

Margaret Bailey

Executive director, Delaware Residents’ Protection Commission

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.