September 30, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new federal report shows more than 90 percent of nursing homes surveyed were cited for at least one deficiency last year, a rate that's remained constant over the past three years.

The typical nursing home drew citations for seven health and safety deficiencies last year.

About 94 percent of the for-profit homes surveyed generated a citation, compared to 91 percent for government nursing homes and 88 percent for non-profits.

The most common deficiencies centered on quality of care.

Another common problem involved meals, with 43 percent of homes cited for problems with dietary services.

A full 100 percent of the nursing homes in Alaska, the District of Columbia, Idaho and Wyoming had at least one deficiency.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)