Reno VA nursing home receives low rating

The Reno VA Hospital's nursing facility is under the microscope.

"We have work to do, we know that and we are ready and willing to do it," said Glenna Smith, Hospital’s Public Affairs Officer.

This after the nursing home received a one-star rating for quality between the months of July and September 2017. But overall, it received two stars.

US Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) has written to the hospital’s director Lisa Howard asking for answers.

"We know they expect the best and we want that for them," said Smith.

Smith explains the low rating can be attributed to a big change. That change took place a few years ago to better position with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services rating system, which is used for private sector nursing homes.

But Smith says the VA hospital can't pick and choose who to care for, like its counterparts in the private sector. So that leads to admitting patients who are severely ill, which impacts the ratings.

"We have the funding, we have the resources, but it is more than that. It's the implementation of a whole new approach," said Smith.

The most recent rating between January and March 2018 saw an increase. The overall rating went to three stars with quality going to two.

Veterans at the nursing home disagree with the third party auditor’s decision to give low ratings.

"They take good care of you here; there is somebody there to help you when you need it. If you have a problem, they try their best to get it done," said David Dolbow.

"Whatever you are hearing about this being a 'one' is totally bogus," said Steve Pennino.

Pennino, having visited numerous VA hospitals, went one step further, vouching for the hospital’s nursing home.

"This one here is the best one that I have been to. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but this is the best care I have had. The staff here is incredible," said Pennino.

Smith says paying attention to how to treat pain and also increasing veteran patients' mobility are two biggest factors to improving the ratings.

Nevada’s other US Senator, Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) has introduced an amendment that would require the VA Inspector General to investigate all VA nursing homes with quality concerns, including the Reno facility.

"For all the sacrifices they've made serving our country, Nevada's veterans deserve the best care we can provide. This amendment ensures that we do not overlook their needs," said Senator Cortez-Masto.