The number of average deficiencies in Hawaii nursing homes has nearly doubled between 2015 and 2023, with the average number increasing from 7.4 per facility in 2019 to 11.7 in 2023, surpassing the national average. This rise in deficiencies is linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, as federal infection control guidelines led to an increase in reported deficiencies as facilities adjusted to new standards.
One of the main reasons behind the increase in deficiencies is the lack of staffing, with care hours provided by registered nurses falling by 21% and nurse-aid hours by 10% over the five-year period. Despite this decline, Hawaii still has a higher number of nurse hours per resident compared to the national average.
The severity of reported deficiencies has also increased since 2015, with some posing immediate jeopardy to resident health and safety. The data from 2024 should provide insight into whether the deficiencies in Hawaii’s nursing homes are decreasing as the pandemic subsides.
States like Washington and Arizona have seen their average nursing facility deficiencies fall in 2023, highlighting the importance of monitoring and addressing issues in nursing home care. With ongoing efforts to improve staffing and care standards, the hope is that the quality of care in Hawaii nursing homes will continue to improve moving forward.
Source
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