| ||
Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICFs/MR) |
| Staffed by: | Email Address: |
| Kurt Haas, Bureau Chief |
khaas@gw.odh.state.oh.us |
| Mailing Address: | Telephone and Fax: |
| Bureau of Health Care Standards and Quality Ohio Department of Health P.O. Box 118 Columbus, OH 43266-0118 |
Phone: (614) 752-9524 Fax: (614) 752-4157 |
A facility that is licensed under State law to
provide, on a regular basis, health-related care and services to individuals
who do not require the degree of care and treatment which a hospital or
skilled nursing home is designed to provide, but who because of their mental
or physical condition require care and services (above the level of room
and board) which can be made available to them only through institutional
facilities. In addition, the ICF/MR Conditions of Participation recognize
the developmental, social and behavioral needs of individuals with mental
retardation who live in residential settings by requiring that each individual
must receive active treatment. Active treatment means the aggressive, consistent
implementation of a program of specialized and generic training, treatment,
health and related services directed toward the acquisition of the behaviors
necessary for the individual to function with as much self-determination
and independence as possible. It includes the prevention or deceleration
of regression or loss of current optimal functional status.
The Bureau of Healthcare Standards and Quality
is responsible for enforcement of the rules and regulations in all facilities
in Ohio participating in the Medicaid program for persons with mental retardation.
Each facility in Ohio receives at least one unannounced survey (inspection)
during a 12 month survey cycle. During these surveys, all aspects of care
and services are evaluated based on state and federal laws and rules. Each
facility is required to display a copy of the most recent survey. This allows
anyone visiting or residing in the facility to see if the facility received
deficiencies on the survey. Other ways that a family or interested party
can evaluate a provider is to visit the facility at different times of the
day to observe staff interacting with residents. Seeing the types of activities
being provided, being present at meal times and talking with staff also
offer excellent opportunities to evaluate a facility.
The Ohio Department of Health staff responsible for completing the surveys in ICFs/MR are highly trained professionals. Survey teams are comprised of registered nurses, registered dietitians, registered sanitarians, and licensed social workers and life safety code specialists. Team size and composition are based on the size of the facility, past history of compliance with rules, and identified areas of special need.
In addition, ICFs/MR must meet the state licensure laws as enforced by the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
