People on the Move – Allied Services Integrated Health System

Patrick Quinn: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Patrick Quinn as Director of the Developmental Services Division. Quinn has been the Assistant Director of the division since 2021, but has worked exclusively in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 38 years. He is an accomplished lecturer on a local, state, and national level advocating for persons with disabilities. Quinn is a graduate of the University of Scranton and holds certificates from the University of Delaware National Institute on Developmental Disabilities and the University of Scranton Non-Profit Leadership Program. 

Kindra Digwood, CCC-SLP: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Kindra Digwood, CCC-SLP to the Allied Services Home Health team. She is an accomplished speech-language pathologist with experience in home health and hospice care in Pennsylvania. Digwood earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences from Temple University and a Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders from West Chester University. She has also earned certification for and has and experience in the use of the Vital Stim for swallowing disorders.

Laura Harding, MS, OTR/L: Allied Services Integrated Health System recently welcomed Laura Harding, MS, OTR/L as occupational therapist for the health systems Home Health division. Harding earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Widener University, followed by a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2008 from Thomas Jefferson University. Since 2009, Harding has been a valued member of the Allied Services Skilled Nursing team in Scranton, serving most recently as a Senior Occupational Therapist. In the Home Health division, Harding joins an award-winning team; Allied Services Home Health has earned the Top Performing ranking from HomeCare Elite for more than 9 consecutive years.

Eileen Marzolino, BS, PCHA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Eileen Marzolino, BS, PCHA as Administrator for The Terrace; the health systems personal care home in Scranton. Marzolino earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health with a concentration in Health Administration from East Stroudsburg University in 2016 followed by her certification as a Personal Care Home Administrator in 2022. Over her career, Marzolino has served in many aspects of senior care from activities and admissions, to marketing and administration. Marzolino also serves as Vice President for the NEPA Aging Network Alliance (NANA).

Allied Services Receives Donations

FNCB Bank Donates $5,000 to Support Allied Services

FNCB Bank announced its support for Allied Services with a $5,000 donation to the Vocational Services Division. FNCB will serve as returning co-presenting sponsors of Allied Services Vocational Services Golf Classic. The charity tournament is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022, at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, Pa.  

Now in its 29th year, the tournament benefits individuals with disabilities participating in training and employment programs provided by the non-profit health system. Allied Services Vocational Services Division serves over 500 individuals with disabilities each year. Individuals with disabilities enrolled in the program receive specialized training, development of work-related skills, and supervision and guidance in the workplace as needed. The goal of the program is to support and empower individuals with disabilities as members of the workforce.     The Vocational Services Golf Classic features a shotgun start, lunch, cocktail hour, and an awards program.  To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the tournament visit alliedservices.org/vsdgolf or call 570.348.1407.  


Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, P.C., Donate $5,000 to Support Allied Services  

Representations from Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, P.C. recently visited the Vocational Training Center at Allied Services in Scranton. They joined a tour of the facility to learn more about training and employment programs for individuals with disabilities at Allied Services. The non-profit health system has provided vocational support for individuals with disabilities since the 1950s and continues to offer programs at 2 centers in Scranton and Stroudsburg, and at workplaces throughout the community.  

Following the tour Grace Doherty Hillebrand, Esq and Matt Butler, Esq presented a donation of $5,000 on behalf of Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, P.C. The local law firm is a returning 

co-presenting sponsor of Allied Services 2022 Vocational Services Golf Classic.  

Scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022, at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, Pa, the Vocational Services Golf Classic will feature a shotgun start, lunch, cocktail hour, and an awards program.   

To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the tournament visit alliedservices.org/vsdgolf or call 570.348.1407 

Staff and Patients at Allied Services Prepare for Stroke Miracle Lap

Staff and patients at Allied Services are busily preparing for the 2022 Stroke Miracle Lap. The walk will take place as part of the Northeast PA Heart Walk on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at PNC Field in Moosic, PA. Allied Services is a proud sponsor of this event, and a member of its leadership team is chairing the 2022 Northeast PA Heart Walk. 

“As stroke rehab specialists, we know what an impact stroke and heart disease can have on individuals and families in the communities we live and work in,” said Jim Brogna, Vice President of Strategic Business Partnership at Allied Services and Chair of the 2022 Northeast PA Heart Walk. “We’re proud to support the American Heart and Stroke Association’s work to raise awareness of and prevent heart attacks and stroke.” 

Following the opening ceremonies at 9:00 a.m., stroke survivors, stroke rehab specialists, family, and community members will take to the field for the Allied Services Stroke Miracle Lap. This is the fourth year of the Stroke Miracle Lap. 

“For us, it’s an opportunity to honor and remember those we have lost to stroke and to celebrate the milestones of stroke survivors,” said Jim Brogna. “Stroke recovery can be a lifelong journey. Allied Services is committed to giving stroke patients access to the latest rehab technology, the best clinicians, and the ongoing support for their continuing recovery.” 

Participants in the walk on May 21 will be wearing their signature blue Stroke Miracle Lap. In readiness for the walk, staff throughout Allied Services took part in a stroke awareness dress-down day on Friday, May 13, wearing the Stroke Miracle Lap shirts. Allied Services doubled the contributions of its employees and will be presenting a donation for $3,300 to the American Stroke Association at the Stroke Miracle Lap on May 21. 

The Allied Services Stroke Miracle Lap is free and open to all ages. You can learn more by calling 570.348.1275 or visiting alliedservices.org/strokewalk 

PIAA District II High School Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Championships Presented by Allied Services

The PIAA District II High School Basketball Championships presented by Allied Services are set for this weekend at the ASM Global-managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township.

The Championship game schedule is as follows:

Thursday, March 3rd

4:00 p.m. Susquehanna (Home) vs Forest City (Away) – Girls – 1-A

6:00 p.m. Dunmore (Home) vs Scranton Prep (Away) – Girls – 4-A

8:00 p.m. Holy Redeemer (Home) vs Riverside (Away) — Boys – 3-A

Friday, March 4th

4:00 p.m. Holy Cross (Home) vs Elk Lake (Away) – Girls – 2-A

6:00 p.m. Wilkes-Barre Area (Home) vs Hazleton Area (Away) – Girls – 6-A

8:00 p.m. Pittston Area (Home) vs North Pocono (Away) — Boys – 5-A

Saturday, March 5th

12:00 p.m. Western Wayne (Home) vs Riverside (Away) – Girls – 3-A

2:00 p.m. Holy Cross (Home) vs Old Forge (Away) – Boys – 2-A

4:00 p.m. Dallas (Home) vs Mid Valley (Away) — Boys 4-A

6:00 p.m. Pittston Area (Home) vs Abington Heights (Away) – Girls – 5-A

8:00 p.m. Scranton (Home) vs Williamsport (Away) – Boys – 6-A

Sunday, March 6th has been reserved for any weather-related cancellations.

Ticket prices for the District II finals at Mohegan Sun Arena are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are on sale now at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena or online at Ticketmaster.com. Fans are encouraged to buy online to help get in the venue as fast as possible. Tickets sold online are mobile tickets only and are subject to additional convenience fees. Parking fees are included with the ticket price. Tickets are valid for all games scheduled on that day as long as you stay inside the venue. There is no free re-entry. If you choose to leave following a game and wish to return for another game you must pay the full ticket price. District II Gold passes will not be honored at Mohegan Sun Arena for the District II Championships.

Game programs will be available at the door courtesy of Allied Services with program donations going to support the rehabilitation of pediatric patients within Allied Services.

The PIAA District II committee and Mohegan Sun Arena would like to thank and acknowledge the following event sponsors: Allied Services, Price Chopper Market 32, McCarthy Tire, Luzerne County Community College, NBT Bank, Skyzone Pittston, NEPA Elite Basketball, Keystone College, Red Robin, Community Bank, N.A., Chacko’s Family Bowling Center, Pepsi and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

ASM Global reminds everyone attending events at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza to please adhere to the new hygiene and security policies in place consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance for the safety of all participants, guests and employees at the arena including:

  • Face coverings are optional for all guests no matter vaccination status
  • Guests do not need to show physical proof of being fully vaccinated

If a guest is experiencing any of the following, we ask that you stay home:

  • A guest who has COVID-19 symptoms.
  • A guest who has a COVID-19 test result pending.
  • A guest who is under a healthcare provider’s care for a positive COVID-19 test.
  • A guest who has been exposed to COVID-19 (unless fully vaccinated).

ASM Global reminds fans coming to this weekend’s events to please adhere to the security policies in place for the safety of all guests and employees at the Mohegan Sun Arena. These new enhancements include walk-through metal detectors at every arena entrance and a clear bag policy permitting fans to bring their personal belongings in a clear tote not to exceed 12”x12”x6’. Purses, backpacks and diaper bags are no longer permitted inside Mohegan Sun Arena.

PLEASE NOTE: Mohegan Sun Arena is now a cashless venue. As part of our commitment to a contactless guest experience, all concessions sales inside Mohegan Sun Arena are now cashless transactions. We accept all major credit cards and mobile pay. The NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena will accept cash and credit cards for event ticket purchases. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online to avoid any delays in purchasing tickets at the gate when attending a game. For more information about this policy, please visit www.mohegansunarenapa.com/policies.

For additional information about this event, please visit www.mohegansunarenapa.com or www.piaad2.org. For additional information about Allied Services, please visit www.allied-services.org.

Allied Services Opens New Rehabilitation Medicine Center

Allied Services Integrated Health System hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the new Rehabilitation Medicine Center. The facility at 475 Morgan Highway in Scranton is open to the public and offers patients access to Physicians experienced in Rehabilitation Medicine.

Allied Services Rehabilitation Medicine Center is an appointment-only facility providing medical evaluation and management of patients who are struggling with mobility, self-care, and independence in the home.

“For more than 60 years, our non-profit health system has been committed to helping improve the quality of life for people in our community” commented Attorney Bill Conaboy, President and CEO of Allied Services. “The Rehabilitation Medicine Center provides us with a new medical setting in which to connect patients with the care and services that can help them to be as independent as possible in their own homes.”

Dr. Michael D. Wolk and Dr. Kenneth W. Genitlezza, board-certified in Physician Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), will lead the Rehabilitation Medicine Center. The center will serve adult and geriatric individuals who will be able to schedule a rehabilitation medicine evaluation.  Following that evaluation, the patient will receive a plan of care that will address any rehabilitation needs and be shared with their primary care physician.

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting, Dr. Michael D. Wolk noted “All too often, patients who have been discharged from the hospital, patients living with a chronic illness or aging individuals living alone can find themselves falling through the cracks. The impetus behind developing the Rehabilitation Medicine Center was to provide another avenue to help these individuals.”

A rehabilitation medicine evaluation may be appropriate for individuals recently discharged from the hospital, individuals living with a chronic illness or disability that affects their mobility and independence, or geriatric individuals aging in place. Services and medical management will be provided as a complement to services delivered by Primary Care Physicians.  

“The goal is to quickly evaluate the health, well-being, and functional abilities of patients struggling at home and from there determine the most appropriate strategies to help them thrive and live safely at home” commented Dr. Wolk. “By addressing their functional difficulties, we can improve their safety at home and work to avoid hospitalizations.”

To learn more about the Rehabilitation Medicine Center call 570.348.1211 or visit alliedservices.org/medical-evaluation

FNCB Supports Students at Allied Services

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced an $85,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Allied Services dePaul School for Dyslexia.

The non-profit school in Scranton serves children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, providing specialized instruction to assist students in identifying their learning style and maximizing their abilities. Students from 19 local school districts attend the full-time school serving grades 1 through 8. FNCB’s donation directly funded student scholarships for families in need. 

“The work the teachers, staff and administration at the dePaul School do is amazing,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. “As a community partner, we are proud to support their efforts and help a large number of students reach their full potential.”

The support of Allied Services dePaul School for Dyslexia is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative.

Lackawanna College Announces Tuition-Free Education Partnership with Allied Services

Lackawanna College announced a new partnership which will allow employees at one of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s largest non-profit healthcare systems to attend college tuition-free. 

Under the agreement, eligible employees at Allied Services Integrated Health System can pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree at Lackawanna College. Full-time and part-time employees at Allied Services will be eligible for the Lackawanna College Business Partners Scholarship which covers tuition for the Fall and Spring semesters.  

“The need for trained healthcare professionals in our area continues to grow,” stated Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “Our evolving partnership with Allied Services enhances the quality of our area’s healthcare services by filling in-demand positions with a skilled workforce. Opportunities like this make college affordable and accessible – a great equalizer for families and our communities.” 

This latest partnership enhances Allied Services’ existing tuition assistance and tuition reimbursement programs for employees. In 2021, Allied Services and Lackawanna College announced a new nursing scholarship to provide full tuition for eligible students in Lackawanna College’s nursing associate degree program. Students awarded these scholarships can work at Allied Services while continuing their education and be guaranteed a full-time position upon graduation and licensure as a registered nurse. In addition, Allied Services offers its own scholarship and tuition assistance programs to support a diverse workforce that includes mental health workers, mechanics, therapists, accountants, nutritionists, social workers, and many more.  

“As a leading employer in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, we recognize the importance and value of investing in our employees, their families, and their futures,” said Attorney Bill Conaboy, President and CEO. “Our employees are at the heart of all we do for our patients, our residents, and our communities. We look forward to supporting them as they pursue their personal and professional goals. ” 

The public-private partnership is one of many that are in the works at Lackawanna College that will cover a student’s full tuition. 

“The Lackawanna College Business Partnership Scholarship Initiative helps businesses of all sizes develop and retain employees,” said Jeff Gregory, Director of College Enrollment Partnerships. “A partnership with Lackawanna College includes a tuition scholarship that can be offered to employees, allowing the workforce to pursue a bachelor’s or associate degree.” 

People on the Move: Allied Services Integrated Health System

Lori Steeves, NHA, PHCA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Lori Steeves, NHA, PHCA as Assistant Administrator of the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. Steeves brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fields of Skilled Nursing and Personal Care. Focusing on providing quality care, Lori will continue to work on the development and implementation of measures to ensure the highest quality of long-term care services and positive resident experiences. Lori received her Bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University and is both a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Licensed Personal Care Home Administrator.  

Rita Kuchta, RN, BSN: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Rita Kuchta, RN as the new Director of Nursing at the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. During her extensive nursing career, Kuchta has specialized in Gerontology, directly overseeing the operations of multiple nursing units at the facility in Scranton. Throughout her career with the integrated health system Rita has held various administrative positions including Unit Manager and Assistant Director of Nursing. Rita has been an employee at Allied Services Skilled Nursing in Scranton for more than twenty years, which not only demonstrates her loyalty but true Skilled Nursing experience. Rita received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University.

Melissa Palermo, RN: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Melissa Palermo, RN as the new Assistant Director of Nursing at the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. Palermo previously served as Unit Manager where she was responsible for clinical care oversight and providing staff direction to ensure the highest quality of care. After joining the Skilled Nursing Center in 2003 as a Certified Nurse Aide, Palermo utilized Allied Services education assistance programs and was able to further her career by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, and then a Registered Nurse receiving her degree from Excelsior College.  

Jamie Sheridan, RN, BSN: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomes back returning employee Jamie Sheridan, RN, BSN as the new Staff Development Coordinator for the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. In her role, Jamie will use her extensive experience to organize and implement new employee orientation and clinical competency programs, develop staff training programs and continued clinical competency, and plan general in-service programming. Sheridan received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and is currently enrolled in Chamberlain’s Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialty in nursing education.  

Patrick Quinn: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Patrick Quinn as Assistant Director of the Developmental Services Division. Quinn has worked exclusively in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for 38 years. He is an accomplished lecturer on a local, state, and national level advocating for persons with disabilities. Quinn is a graduate of the University of Scranton and holds certificates from the University of Delaware National Institute on Developmental Disabilities and the University of Scranton Non-Profit Leadership Program.  

William Lezinski, MBA, CMA: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced William Lezinski, MBA, CMA as Assistant Vice President of Vocational Services. Lezinski joined the integrated health system in 2020 as the Director of Accounting for the Vocational Services Division bringing more than 25 years of experience in the banking and real estate industries. Lezinski’s extensive financial knowledge has enabled him to master the complex financial reporting required by the various programs that make up the Vocational Division. Within the financial services area, Lezinski will also work to ensure compliance for the numerous federal and state janitorial contracts, Human Services Programs fiscal requirements, and general day-to-day business operations. In addition to his existing job duties, Bill will now be responsible for all real estate leasing agreements for the integrated health system. Lezinski earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Penn State University and his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Scranton.  

Jeff Snyder, BA: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Jeff Snyder, BA, as Assistant Vice President of Behavioral Health, Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Center, and Waiver Coordination. Snyder began his career at Allied Services in 2005. In 2017, he was promoted to Director of the Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Center in Stroudsburg and in 2019 was promoted to Executive Director adding the Waiver Coordination Division to his core responsibilities. In 2019, Snyder was also awarded the Charles Luger Memorial Employee Award in recognition of his commitment and dedication to Allied Services and its mission.  In addition to his existing duties, Jeff will now oversee the Behavioral Health Division. The Behavioral Health Division provides residential and supported living services to over 400 individuals with mental health concerns in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Schuylkill, and Bradford Counties. Snyder earned his Bachelor of Arts in Management from Penn State University.   

Mike Killeen, BS: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Mike Killeen, BS, as the Assistant Vice President of the Developmental Services Division. He joined the Developmental Services Division at Allied Services in 1978 as a Direct Care Worker and has dedicated his professional career to the care of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Over the past 43 years, he has served in numerous clinical and management positions. In his new role, Killeen will have oversight of the care teams providing round-the-clock care for more than 100 individuals with intellectual disabilities in 7 home-like settings in the community. In 2007, Killeen was awarded the Charles Luger Memorial Employee Award for his extraordinary leadership and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities. Killeen earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Penn State University.  

Charlotte Wright: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Charlotte Wright as Assistant Vice President of Development and Marketing. Wright joined Allied Services in 2011 assisting in both the Vocational Services Division and Foundation Office. In her new role, Wright is responsible for the organization’s digital marketing strategy, external communications, and development activities including the annual charity campaign, WNEP’s Ryan’s Run. Wright earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Durham University, England, and a Master of Science in Forced Migration from Oxford University, England.  

Maurya Incavido, BFA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Maurya Incavido, BFA as Talent Manager for the Human Resources Department. In her new role, Incavido will serve as an employee career counselor and assist with internal staffing system-wide. Incavido will aim to help employees with assessment, performance improvement, career transitions, workplace and career paths, and work/life balance situations. Prior to joining Allied Services, Incavido worked in the United States Senate for nearly 15 years. Incavido earned her Bachelor in Fine Arts from Marywood University.  

Laurie Fleming, BS: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Laurie Fleming as Volunteer Coordinator for the integrated health systems Hospice and Palliative Care division. Fleming will coordinate and manage the divisions’ volunteer program including helping to facilitate volunteer services for patients and their families receiving care in both the health systems in-patient hospice centers and those at home. Prior to joining Allied Services Fleming was the Manager of the West Side Active Older Adult Center and Director of the Older Adult Program for the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Flemming earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Policy with a concentration in Health Care Management from Penn State University and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Southern California.  

3 Allied Services Facilities Earn U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Homes Awards

3 skilled-nursing facilities operated by Allied Services Integrated Health System are among the 13% of facilities nationwide that were recently recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2021-22 by U.S. News & World Report.  As nursing homes and facilities across the country continue to grapple with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. News remains at the forefront of providing data-driven information and guidance to help residents, families, and caregivers understand their long- and short-term care options. 

Allied Services currently provides short- and long-term rehabilitation to more than 2100 patients each year at its 5 skilled nursing and transitional rehab facilities in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.  

The following homes earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving ratings of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for Short-Term Rehabilitation and/or Long-Term Care: 

  • Allied Services Scranton Transitional Rehab Unit: Short-Term Rehabilitation 
  • Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Transitional Rehab Unit: Short-Term Rehabilitation 
  • Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing: Long-Term Care 

U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures.  

This is the 5th consecutive year that the Allied Services Transitional Rehab Units have received the survey’s top rating of “High Performing” for Short-Stay Rehabilitation, earning them the title of “Best Nursing Homes.” The Short-Stay Rehabilitation rating was introduced in 2018 to provide patients with a clearer view of the quality of care provided by nursing homes to short-stay patients in need of intensive rehabilitation or nursing services before they return home after a surgery, stroke, accident or illness. 

“As a non-profit health system, we have made it a priority to give patients in our region access to the very best in clinical expertise and advanced rehab technology” commented Karen Kearney, MSW, Vice President, Inpatient Rehabilitation. “This carries through to our Transitional Rehab Units where patients receive nationally-acclaimed short-term rehabilitation under the direction of our Nursing Home Administrators, Chris Minich and Chris Fazzini.” 

A third Allied Services facility received recognition from US News. Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing Center is the only facility in Northeast Pennsylvania to receive the survey’s top rating of “High Performing” for Long-Term Care. 

“This past year has been challenging for our patients, residents, staff and their families” reflected James Cooney, NHA, Vice President Skilled Nursing for Allied Services. “These awards are welcome recognition for the commitment to quality care that our staff exemplifies.  We are proud of the care that staff at all of our skilled nursing facilities provide, around-the-clock, 365 days a year.” 

Now in its 12th year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings and profiles offer comprehensive information about quality of care, COVID-19 vaccination requirements for residents and staff, flu and pneumonia vaccination rates, and infection control violations listed on the resident safety summary. Individuals can easily conduct customized research for a highly rated nursing home by location, size, and Medicare and Medicaid coverage. 

This year’s methodology includes an emphasis on homes meeting certain standards of patient safety, which could limit a home’s ability to achieve a ‘High-Performing’ rating. These standards include a minimum threshold for the staff COVID-19 vaccination rate, overuse of antipsychotic drugs, and frequent visits to the emergency department, among other criteria. Homes that have below a 75% COVID-19 staff vaccination rate are not considered a leading facility. A significant percentage of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care programs that would otherwise have qualified as ‘High-Performing’ were downgraded at the time of publication. 

The ratings include data on staffing, success in preventing ER visits, and pneumonia vaccination rates among other metrics. Out of 13,175 nursing homes that received a Long-Term Care Rating, 1,063 were designated as High-Performing. The Short-Term Care Rating incorporates measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs, and success in preventing falls. For 2021-22, 13,500 facilities received a Short-Term Rating, while only 1,651 homes earned a High-Performing Rating.