CONNECTICUT, USA — On Tuesday, Governor Lamont said the Connecticut Department of Health selected Mathematica Policy Research to conduct the independent third-party review of the state's nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Lamont said in June that the state will put out a bid and to hire a firm. COVID deaths at long term care facilities make up 71% of the COVID deaths in the state.
Mathematica Policy Research is expected by the state to finish its review by the end of September. The information found will be made public.
“Our nursing homes and assisted living facilities have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19,” Governor Lamont said. “The tragedies that occurred deserve a thorough examination and we have an obligation to those who live in those facilities, their families, and the incredible professionals who care for residents to provide answers as to what could have been done differently to mitigate the spread of the virus. Timeliness is a critical factor when it comes to this review, and we know that Mathematica will provide a thorough, detailed, and actionable report. We must learn everything we can from our experience over the last few months so we can apply that knowledge to implement best practices in our long-term care facilities as we prepare for a possible second wave of the virus.”
The firm will be reviewing multiple factors including assessing the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state compared to the rest of New England and the Country.
In a joint statement from Mag Morelli, President of LeadingAge Connecticut and Matt Barrett, President and CEO the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities/Connecticut Center for Assisted Living (CAHCF/CCAL) said they are prepared to participate and help with Mathematic Policy Research's evaluation of the state's long term care facilities.
"Connecticut nursing homes are prepared to rigorously participate with urgency on this time-sensitive and critical evaluation of our state’s response to the devastating Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on nursing homes and assisted living communities. Our associations stand ready to assist in any way," said the joint statement. "The two associations also continue to encourage all Connecticut residents to continue to do their part to keep the COVID-19 trajectory in our state on a downward path. Adhering to the guidance of wearing a face mask, maintaining social distancing and conducting appropriate hand hygiene is keeping the spread of COVID-19 down in our state, and we believe that this is directly related to the very promising numbers being reported today on the recovery of nursing home residents and assisted living communities. Keeping Covid-19 down in the community is essential in defeating the virus in elderly congregate settings. We know from the new research that the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community is directly related to the incidence of the virus entering our congregate settings."
Below is a copy of the contract between Connecticut and Mathematica Policy Research:
