Health Facilities: New York State's Oversight of Nursing Homes and Hospitals

In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the adequacy of the New York State Department of Health's nursing home and hospital inspections to ensure that these facilities met the conditions for participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. GAO specifically addressed allegations about defects in the inspection process that could result in: (1) the certification of substandard facilities for participation in the programs; and (2) beneficiaries receiving substandard care.