About the Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR):
The Division of Health Service Regulation oversees medical, mental health and adult care facilities, emergency medical services, and local jails. We check to see that people receiving care in these facilities are safe and receive appropriate care. We make certain that medical buildings are built only when there is a need for them.
About the Nursing Home Licensure and Certification Section:
The Nursing Home Licensure and Certification Section of DHSR regulates nursing homes in North Carolina, including combination homes that have both adult care and nursing home beds. Those receiving Medicare/Medicaid undergo routine federal inspections every nine to fifteen months, conducted by trained healthcare professionals. Surveys review many areas of care and operations, including resident rights, quality of care, staffing, safety, infection control, and emergency preparedness.
The section investigates roughly 3,000 complaints each year, notifying complainants of the findings. When inspectors identify issues, they issue a Statement of Deficiency. The nursing home must submit a correction plan and may face penalties. Inspectors return to ensure all problems are resolved.