Final
Perspectives of the Board of Veterans Affairs
STATE AND VETERANS NURSING HOMES
Votes:
Action Taken:
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09:40 AM
Ralph Bozella, Chairman, Colorado Board commented on the operations of the Board. He said that Colorado has five veterans nursing homes dedicated to veterans and one open to persons other than veterans. He said that many problems were identified with the Fitsimons Home and that the home was nearly lost. He said that the homes operate with censuis revenues and with "505" funds. He noted that there is no board of directors that oversees the operations of the homes. The Board of Human Services is a rule-making board and has no administrative oversight. Fitzsimons failed state and federal surveys. This demonstrated the need for closer oversight of the nursing homes. Goverfnor Owens provided a million dollars to hire Pinon nMnagement, In.c to come in and manage Fitzsimons. The Board requested that the Governor create a Fitzsimons Task Force. The Board asked the Governor to create a Fitzsimons Accountability Committee which was formed and chaired by the Lt. Governor. The Committee recently issued its recommendation.
He said that he hopes that the LOC will provide input on several subject areas including
the relationship of Fitzsimons to the other home , chamllenges such as hiring of staff , the relationship to the "505 enterprise funds."
what do other states do to run their nursing himes, investigate the capital needs.
the state may not have the ability to meet federal matches for funds.
he hopes that the committee will
to understand the State Veterans Home at Home Lake
that Home Lake could be rejuvenated
look at the administration of all of the homes.
are our operations the most efficient and effective?
veterans care deeply about the homes
He noted that 505 funds have been used for capital construction