The peer review organization process revisited

The outcomes of patient care are of increasing importance in the 1990s from a quality of patient care perspective. Most of the review processes that HHAs are subjected to, including the Medicare certification survey, the accreditation process by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Community Health Accreditation Program, are focused toward patient outcomes. Also included is the PRO process that addresses the quality of care issue when home care was provided as one of the intervening care services if a patient is readmitted to an acute care facility within 31 days of discharge, HHA standards as well as professional nursing standards. There is no question that the care rendered and the complete and accurate documentation by home healthcare nurses contribute to the minimal number of confirmed quality of care problems that have been identified in HHAs. We would appreciate findings reported in other states. Please share published information on the PRO activities in your state in care of Home Healthcare Nurse. We look forward to hearing from you.