Staffing shortage limits inspections of residential care homes

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ State health officials say a shortage of inspectors has resulted in infrequent checkups of state residential care centers. <br/><br/>Assistant Health Department chief James Joslin

Wednesday, May 4th 2005, 10:45 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ State health officials say a shortage of inspectors has resulted in infrequent checkups of state residential care centers.

Assistant Health Department chief James Joslin the shortage is a factor in the poor conditions that led to the closing of facility in Noble. Inspectors found rodents, insects and general filth at the center and moved all 42 of its residents.

Joslin says inspectors hadn't been to the home for a year until March 22nd.

He says he needs at least 23 more surveyors with five to inspect the state's 98 residential care homes and 116 assisted living centers.

Officials say administrators of residential care centers are not licensed by the state like nursing home administrators are and have little accountability.