CLEVELAND -- Ohio is among the U.S. states with the worst records for keeping up with nursing home inspections, according to a report out Sunday.
The Plain Dealer cites records it obtained showing that a key deadline for inspecting nursing homes hasn't been met since fiscal year 2011. It says Ohio is the fourth-worst state nationally in inspection intervals.
Advocates say inspectors offer important checks on the industry, detecting patient care issues.
The agency that provides inspectors is understaffed. Ohio has one inspector for every six nursing homes, the Plain Dealer reported. Meanwhile, nearby states Michigan, Kentucky and Illinois have one for every four facilities.
The Ohio Department of Health says officials are working hard to improve time intervals and there has been progress in the last two years.
