WEST LIBERTY – The Care Center at Green Hills Community received a “deficiency-free” rating following its annual inspection by the Ohio Department of Health.

The center is a 99-bed operation that provides long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services for those recovering from an operation such as joint replacement or a hospital stay for any number of diagnoses.

The zero deficiency rating means that the West Liberty operation complies with all standards of care and services required by long-term care providers. The survey evaluates skilled nursing and rehabilitative services to determine how well the nursing center provides care to its residents by meeting regulatory standards.

The survey process focuses on how the needs of the residents are met, encompassing not only their medical and nursing needs but also their social, psychological, spiritual, nutritional and physical needs.

During the process, ODH surveyors observe and examine clinical and operational systems as well as medical records and required documentation. They evaluate staffing levels, resident care, clinical services, employee training and observance of resident rights and resident choice. Surveyors interview residents and their families.

The inspection encompasses operations in the kitchen that provide more than 500 meals a day in the building and for the campus “meals on wheels” program, thoroughness of housekeeping throughout the care center, maintenance and laundry services for the residents, and compliance with various aspects of safety policies and practices.

“The zero deficiency is a great honor and only one aspect of the regulatory oversight that we undergo on a regular basis. For two years in a row we have received a five out of five star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. But we are most proud of the 95 percent satisfaction rate that we have received from our residents,” said Mike Ray, president/CEO.

“It takes every person on our staff working together to provide the best for those in our care and I am proud of the great work that they do every day,” said Stephanie DeWees, vice president/administrator.

According to Nursing Home Compare on the Medicare.gov Web site, the average number of deficiencies in the state is 5.1 and 6.9 nationally.