Local politicians behind legislation.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill that will require all California nursing homes to post their five-star rating issued by the Federal Government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The rating, with five stars being the highest and one star the lowest, includes medical care, staffing levels, food services, sanitation, bedsore mitigation and the results of licensing inspections.

The bill was authored by Assemblymen Cameron Smyth and Mike Feuer after a request by Los Angeles County 5th district Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

“The nursing home grading system will provide families vital information about the quality of care for their loved ones as the County’s successful Restaurant Grading system equips them to make informed decisions about dining establishments,” said Antonovich. “It also provides incentives for facilities to establish higher quality standards and compliance.”

While the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services performs licensing and complaint inspections through a contract with the State of California, only the State can require facilities to post the results of the new Federal Rating system.

Supervisor Antonovich was also behind the County’s Restaurant Grading system established in 1997.