National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study (NPALS) Update
Several providers have reached out to the Council with concerns about a survey they received bearing the CDC logo. We want to assure you that this survey is legitimate and not a scam. Participation is entirely voluntary.
What is NPALS?
The National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study (NPALS) is conducted by RTI International under contract with the CDC. Since 2012, NPALS has been collecting data every two years to better understand residential care communities and their needs.
Purpose of NPALS:
NPALS collects and analyzes data from U.S. providers who serve individuals needing post-acute care after urgent medical treatment or long-term care for those unable to care for themselves. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) oversees this study.
Goals of NPALS:
- Estimate the supply and use of paid, regulated post-acute and long-term care services.
- Identify key policy-relevant characteristics and practices.
- Produce national and state-level estimates where feasible.
- Compare estimates among different care sectors.
- Monitor trends over time.
Purpose of NPALS:
NPALS collects and analyzes data from U.S. providers who serve individuals needing post-acute care after urgent medical treatment or long-term care for those unable to care for themselves. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) oversees this study.
Data Collection:
NPALS gathers information on seven major sectors of paid, regulated post-acute and long-term care services:
- Nursing homes
- Home health agencies
- Hospices
- Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
- Long-term care hospitals
- Adult day services centers
- Residential care communities
While data for the first five sectors are sourced from existing Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) records, data for adult day services centers and residential care communities are collected directly through provider surveys.
Why Participate?
Your participation helps gather crucial data to identify resource availability and needs, which in turn supports funding and resource allocation decisions. Each survey code is unique to your facility, ensuring the data collected is specific and relevant.
For more information, visit the CDC website.
Not a Member Yet?
Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.