Homepage Story

Arizona Nursing Homes and Home Health Agencies Setting the Stage for "Transformational Change"

In the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) 8th Scope of Work (8SoW) (August 1, 2005 to July 31, 2008) QIOs are challenged to accelerate the national quality improvement effort by focusing on "transformational change".

Transformational change -- Occurs when "every person receives the right care every time," and where care meets the six Institute of Medicine (IOM) aims: safe, timely, patient-centered, effective, efficient, and equitable.

Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG), the Medicare QIO of Arizona, has begun recruitment efforts for the next phase of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Nursing Home Quality Initiative (NHQI) and Home Health Quality Initiative (HHQI).

Many Arizona Nursing Homes and Home Health Agencies have benefited from participation in quality improvement project with HSAG in the past. Read about their positive experiences in their own words.

• "With the support and leadership of HSAG, Arizona's long term care provider community has achieved new heights in quality care. The upcoming focus on process improvement and workforce development will add an important and dynamic new dimension to our successful collaboration."
  - Kathleen Collins-Pagels, Executive Director, Arizona HealthCare Association (AHCA)
   
• "We are fortunate to have a QIO here in Arizona that works so closely with the long term care facilities and associations in our community. HSAG is a true collaborative partner in the effort to find innovative approaches to improving resident care and quality of life for Arizona seniors."
  - Lindsey J. Norris, Executive Director, Arizona Association of Homes and Housing for the Aging (AzAHA)
   
• "As President of AZ/NADONA, I am proud to be part of the endeavors that HSAG is completing in the state to promote QUALITY in our nursing homes ... AZ/NADONA encourages its members to support and participate in all HSAG's future plans."
  - Diane Kubala, President AZ National Association of Director of Nursing Administrators (AZ/NADONA)

• "HSAG has always been available for advice, expertise, guidance and wisdom in assisting our state home health agencies in addressing various quality of care challenges. ... They are great partners as we work together in improving the care of our Medicare and Medicaid patients!"
  - Karen Jeselun, President, Arizona Association for Home Care
   
• "Whenever I talk to a home health agency, I recommend they take advantage of all HSAG has to offer. HSAG has excellent staff who are experts in assisting home health agencies meet the expected goals and requirements set forth by CMS."
  - Sandy Enky, OASIS Automation Coordinator, ADHS

Join your colleagues and HSAG in the next phase of the Medicare's quality initiatives. To learn more about joining the NHQI or HHQI, review the supporting documents below.

Nursing Homes

• NHQI Activities, 2005-2008 (PDF, 137K)
• NHQI Participation Agreement (PDF, 119K)

Home Health Agencies

• HHQI Activities, 2005-2008 (PDF, 139K)
• HHQI Participation Agreement (PDF, 119K)

Please complete and return the Participation Agreement--with a cover letter of interest--to HSAG. 

Questions? Contact the HSAG Nursing Home and Home Health teams today.

<TOP>