Minnesota failed to comply with a federal waiver in 18 of 20 family adult foster care homes reviewed by HHS' Office of Inspector General.
The federal Minnesota Elderly Waiver funds home and community-based care for vulnerable adults aged 65 and older who are eligible for medical assistance. OIG reviewed safety at 20 of the state's 131 homes and conducted unannounced site visits between June 21 and Aug. 18, 2016.
OIG found Minnesota did not comply with the federal waiver or state requirements under the program. Eighteen of the 20 homes reviewed failed to comply with one or more state licensing requirements. Specifically, the agency uncovered 64 instances of noncompliance concerning health, safety and administrative requirements.
The noncompliance instances arose due to low staffing and lack of training opportunities for providers and licensors, OIG said. The agency recommended Minnesota correct the instances of noncompliance and ensure it meets federal and state requirements.
Minnesota outlined its corrective action plan to OIG.