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Office of Healthcare Quality budget review: survey backlog shrinking, contractors used while training new surveyors
Summary
DLS and OHCQ told the subcommittee the office has reduced vacancies and accelerated survey activity, but still uses nurse subcontractors to clear a complaint-investigation backlog; contracts total $5.6 million while hiring and certification of state nurse surveyors continues.
The subcommittee reviewed the Maryland Department of Health Office of Healthcare Quality (OHCQ) budget Feb. 13 and heard that OHCQ has made recent gains in survey activity and complaint investigations but continues to rely on contracts for nurse surveyors while new hires complete federal certification.
Victoria Martinez of the Department of Legislative Services presented the OHCQ analysis, noting the fiscal 2026 allowance increases by $2.2 million to $41.9 million. DLS noted about 83% of the office’s spending supports personnel and spelled out a $4.4 million contract line for nursing home subcontractors and grants. Exhibit figures showed a marked improvement in vacancy rates (from 17% to 5%) and in the percentage of completed investigations and annual surveys across several units.
OHCQ Executive Director Tia Witherspoon told the committee OHCQ…
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