SECTIONS WITHIN THE DIVISION OF LONG TERM CARE RESIDENTS PROTECTION

The Division has two main sections: the Investigative Section and the Licensing and Certification Section.

Investigative Section

The purpose of the Investigative Section is to ensure that individuals receiving services in long term care facilities are safe, secure, and free from abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and financial exploitation. The Investigative Section is responsible for:

• Operating the Complaint and Incident Referral Center (IRC), which receives complaints/incidents regarding long term care facilities and assigns them for follow-up
• Investigating complaints of alleged abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and financial exploitation
• Ensuring compliance with the criminal background check and mandatory drug testing laws and
• Maintaining and administering the Adult Abuse Registry.

Licensing and Certification Section

The purpose of licensing and certification of long term care facilities is to ensure that those facilities provide a high quality of care and quality of life to their residents. The Licensing and Certification Section is responsible for:

• Licensing long term care facilities to operate in Delaware
• Certifying nursing homes for Medicare and/or Medicaid in Delaware
• Determining and monitoring compliance with State and Federal long term care regulations and standards
• Conducting annual surveys and surprise inspections, including night and weekend visits
• Responding to complaints and incidents regarding quality of care, quality of life, and/or violations of residents’ rights and
• Operating and maintaining the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry.