Inspections, deficiencies, and severity

A deficiency records an official survey finding that requirements were not met. Severity and scope codes add context. A finding should be described accurately and should not be converted into an unsupported claim that abuse or negligence was legally proven.

What a deficiency means

A deficiency is an official survey finding that a nursing home did not meet a requirement at the time reviewed. It should be described as a finding, with the survey date and source. It does not automatically establish civil liability, criminal conduct or the facts of an unrelated complaint.

Scope and severity

Scope-and-severity codes describe the level of harm and how broadly a problem affected residents. Codes G through L indicate actual harm or immediate-jeopardy levels in the federal matrix. Read the description, correction status, inspection cycle and whether the finding arose from a standard or complaint survey.

Correction dates

Look for patterns across dates and categories rather than counting rows alone. Ask the facility what was corrected, how effectiveness was monitored and whether the same issue recurred. CMS records can be updated or appealed, so confirm current status in Care Compare and request the latest available inspection material.

Ohio review worksheet

Use a separate worksheet for each facility or issue. Record where each fact came from, the date shown by the source, who answered a question, and what still needs confirmation. Distinguish a direct observation from a statement made by someone else, and distinguish a current answer from an older public record. Keep private health and financial information out of ordinary email and public reviews. When sources conflict, ask the facility and the responsible Ohio or federal agency for clarification. A checklist supports a decision; it does not replace the resident’s preferences, a current clinical assessment, official eligibility guidance, emergency help, or advice from a qualified professional.

• What a deficiency means: record the current source, date, answer, and any follow-up question that remains.
• Scope and severity: record the current source, date, answer, and any follow-up question that remains.
• Correction dates: record the current source, date, answer, and any follow-up question that remains.
• Complaint inspections: record the current source, date, answer, and any follow-up question that remains.

A practical way to use this guide

Write down the questions that apply to the resident, compare answers across more than one facility, and keep dated copies of records or notices that affect the decision. Public data is most useful when combined with a current visit, direct questions, the resident’s preferences, and advice from qualified clinical, benefits, advocacy, or legal professionals as appropriate.

Official resources

• Medicare Care Compare
• Ohio Revised Code 3721.13: Residents’ rights
• Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Ohio Department of Health complaint information
• Ohio Medicaid long-term services and supports