According to Jerry Reilly, Executive Director of the Washington Health Care Association, this is very rare. “I can’t remember a facility ever receiving four consecutive zero-deficiency surveys,” he said. “This is a major accomplishment.”

Representatives from the Aging and Adult Administration of D.S.H.S., recently conducted the unannounced survey, which is the same process that has cited numerous nursing homes for the inability to provide quality and safe care to their patients.

During the inspection, the state survey team which consists of trained inspectors, including at least one registered nurse, looked at many aspects of quality issues such as resident care processes, staff/resident interaction, and the physical internal environment. Using an established protocol, the team interviews a sample of residents and family members about their life within the nursing home, and interviews caregivers and administrative staff. The team also reviews clinical records.
State regulations cover a wide range of aspects of resident life, from specifying standards for the safe storage and preparation of food, to protecting residents from physical and mental abuse or inadequate care practices. There are over 150 regulatory standards that nursing homes must meet at all times. Washington is recognized as having the toughest regulatory system in the country.

Administrator Jack Charlton states, “The staff should be very proud of their accomplishments as am I. Kitsap County should also be pleased that they have such a fine nursing facility in their community.”

Owners Rick and Leslie Krueger issued a statement saying, “24-hours a day our employees strive to provide the best care and services to our patients and residents. This zero-deficiency award definitely reinforces their commitment to excellence, and our confidence in their abilities.”.