Background Information
WHAT do we do?
We inspect certain health facilities throughout the state to determine whether they meet state and federal standards, and we investigate complaints made against health facilities and agencies licensed or certified under our program. The purpose of our inspections is to determine a health care provider's ability to provide services which are safe and of an acceptable quality.
WHEN do we do it?
We inspect health care We survey health care facilities according to requirements set by the state and federal guidelines which range from between 1-3 years. Complaint investigations are prioritized and investigated as necessary at anytime.
WHERE do we do it?
We travel throughout Alaska, from Kotzebue to Ketchikan and out on the Aleutian chain.
HOW do we do it?
Our inspections, called surveys, are unannounced and the size of the survey team varies depending on the size of the facility and complexity of program. Surveys can take from two to five days to complete. Survey tasks include: review of medical records; observations of direct care; interviews with staff, patients and families; review of policies and procedures; and inspection of the building, to name only a few.
WHY do we do it?
State law requires most health facilities to be licensed every two years. In addition, health care providers must comply with federal requirements if they wish to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Our purpose is to promote and maintain quality health care for all Alaskans.
How to contact us:
Health Facilities Licensing & Certification
4601 Business Park Blvd., Bldg K
Anchorage, Alaska 99503.
907-334-2483
907-334-2682 fax
