ND, SD rank 1-2 in independent nursing home study

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A study by an independent news organization shows that North Dakota and South Dakota have the lowest number of serious deficiencies in its nursing homes.

Figures compiled by ProPublica show that North Dakota had the lowest rate of serious deficiencies per nursing home in the last three years at 0.01. South Dakota was second at 0.03.

The report shows that North Dakota inspectors found 1,408 total deficiencies in 83 nursing homes. South Dakota inspectors found 1,330 total deficiencies and three serious deficiencies among 111 homes. Neither state levied any fines.

Michael Fierberg, a spokesman for Medicare and Medicaid, tells the Forum newspaper (http://bit.ly/13ssfIx) he's not surprised at the rankings. He says when problems are discovered in North Dakota and South Dakota, they are quickly resolved.

___

Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com

Tags: north dakota, updates, news, health, aging