SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has deployed its health care survey team to conduct onsite visits of the 269 licensed assisted living facilities statewide. State survey staff will focus on providing COVID-19 related infection control guidance, written visitor protocols and to address staff, family and resident questions or concerns.

Facilities will receive:

• An onsite visit by a state long term care survey team member;
• Observations and provide feedback on current infection control surveillance from NMDOH staff
• Written instructions and signage for visitors and residents on infections control protocols;
• Direction to websites that can provide up to date information on CDC and NMDOH COVID-9 protocols
• Ongoing support and guidance to all facility staff, residents and family members.

“As a result of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's unwavering support of New Mexico’s elderly, the Department of Health has been empowered to provide improved support to New Mexico’s long-term health care residents, not just related to COVID-19 but everyday," said NMDOH Division of Health Improvement Director Chris Burmeister. "We are proud to serve alongside leadership that prioritizes our seniors' ongoing care and well being."

NMDOH continues to work closely and implement best practices with our long-term care partners. These include: Aging and Long-term Services Division (ALTSD), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the New Mexico Health Care Association (NMHCA), and New Mexico's 71 nursing homes in to ensure that the health and safety, and advocacy rights of our elderly are protected.

"Aging and Long-Term Services Department works closely with NMDOH and other state partners and providers to protect the health and safety of residents," said Aging & Long-Term Services Secretary Katrina Hotrum-Lopez. "The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is available to address residents, providers and family members concerns."