The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) conducts annual Resident Quality of Life Surveys and Family Satisfaction Surveys in nursing facilities to collect opinions, feedback, and personal experiences that help guide improvements to aging and disability care across Minnesota. DHS has conducted the resident survey in nursing facilities since 2005 and the family survey since 2010. DHS requires all Medicaid-certified nursing facilities to participate in annual surveys.

Vital Research

DHS contracts with Vital Research, an independent survey firm, to conduct the surveys and ensure the confidentiality of all resident and family responses. Vital Research's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Training field staff
• Scheduling interviews
• Providing ongoing support
• Quality assurance monitoring

Vital Research works collaboratively with DHS throughout the entire length of the project.

Survey Schedules

Vital Research will reach out to nursing facilities between September 2024 and January 2025 to schedule interview dates and answer questions that the facilities, residents, and family members have. Nursing home resident interviews will take place October 2024 through January 2025 Family surveys will be mailed to residents' representatives from late October 2024 through March 2025.

Results

DHS will share resident and family survey results on the Department of Human Services Nursing Facility Provider Portal as well as the Nursing Home Report Card by Summer of 2025. For assistance logging into the Provider Portal or using the Nursing Home Report Card website, please contact Teresa Lewis at Teresa.Lewis@state.mn.us or 651-431-4208.

Questions?

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to commonly asked questions about the project.