Division of Health and Human Services
Carmen Richins, Director

Information

The group is assigned by the state Division of Health and Human Services to regulate health care facilities and providers in the State of Utah.

o We have the following major duties:

- License health care facilities required by state law to hold a license and regularly inspect these facilities for compliance with state laws and regulations;
- Work with the Health Facilities Committee, whose members are appointed by the Governor, to develop and revise state regulations to govern the building, operation, and quality of care in licensed facilities.
- Review the architectural plans of new building and remodeling projects of licensed providers to assure compliance with building and safety standards;
- Perform regular on-site inspections of Utah health care providers participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs to ensure compliance with federal health, treatment and safety standards;
- Conduct background screenings on all direct care staff in certain health care industries, as required by law.
- Investigate complaints from the public about poor care or unsafe conditions in all licensed and/or certified facilities or providers.
- Assure facility correction through requiring Plans of Correction, follow up inspections, use of sanctions, (fines, bans on admissions, closure) and on-site monitoring.

o The group licenses over 900 health care providers, and certifies over 350 providers for Medicare/Medicaid participation. These include hospitals; nursing homes; assisted living facilities; institutions for the developmentally disabled and for the mentally ill; home health agencies; and many other types of providers.

o Utah health care providers licensed by the group are estimated to deliver over $1 billion worth of health care services annually, and over $500,000,000 in annual Medicare and Medicaid services.

o The group employs over 60 full-time staff, including Registered Nurses, Certified Social Workers, Life Safety Surveyors/Deputy Fire Marshals, Registered Dietitians, and two Architects. Consultant staff include psychiatrists, other physicians, laboratory specialists and x-ray specialists.

o The group's administrative budget is $4.2 million annually. Funding is provided by a combination of federal and state funds and provider fees. Certification activities are split about 75 percent federal/25 percent state, but some cost centers are 100 percent federally funded. Licensure activities are 100% state funded.