DIALED IN

In this episode, DIAL Communications Director Stefanie Bond sits down with Bureau Chief Jeremy Ingrim of Iowa’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for a behind-the-scenes look at how MFCU protects vulnerable Iowans and safeguards taxpayer dollars. We break down unit investigations, working with Iowa HHS and DIAL’s health facilities staff, and how criminal cases get prosecuted.  Find more information on o...

We’re not in the business of chasing headlines—we’re in the business of getting it right. In this episode, we fact-check recent reporting regarding certain audit findings, clear up what CMS data actually says, and explain why some reports aren’t ours to release. Then we shift gears to celebrate the two long-term care facilities recently honored with the 2025 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in He...

Think OSHA only shows up when something goes wrong? Think again! In this episode, we’re talking about Iowa OSHA’s free and confidential consultation services that help employers spot and fix safety issues before anyone gets hurt—and without any citations or fines. We’ll also discuss two programs for employers: SHARP, designed to recognize small businesses with top-notch safety practices, and VPP,...

What exactly is "social gambling?" When do you need a license to gamble? In this episode, we'll dive into DIAL's oversight of social and charitable gambling - beginning with social gambling. This episode covers the different types of social gambling licenses, where you can and can't gamble, who needs a license, and what each license allows. Did you know you don't need...

A minority of nursing homes have more problems than other nursing homes, more serious problems than most other nursing homes, or a pattern of serious problems that have persisted over a long period of time. These types of facilities are eligible for the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program. Long-Term Care Bureau Chief Vicki Worth explains how the program works and how facilities can "graduate...

Just how does the process work when someone files a complaint about a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, or other health facility that DIAL regulates? Are complaints confidential? Long-Term Care Bureau Chief Vicki Worth is back with Communications Director Stefanie Bond to explain the process, and how anyone can search for and find survey (inspection) results on the department'...

There are many misconceptions on how both state and federal fines work for long-term care facilities (nursing homes) in Iowa. Join DIAL Communications Director Stefanie Bond and Long-Term Care Bureau Chief Vicki Worth to find out when the State can impose a fine, why State fines get suspended, and how much DIAL can legally fine a facility for a deficient practice. For additional information, check...

Welcome to DIALED IN, the podcast from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. DIAL's podcast will answer some of the basic (and not-so-basic) questions surrounding the work the department undertakes, from nursing home surveys, fraud investigations, and administrative hearings to licensing for food establishments, physicians, electricians, and more. Join us and get DIALED...

When COVID-19 was quickly spreading across the globe in March 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ordered state survey agencies like DIAL to "stand down" and suspend recertification surveys for nursing homes. Once the dust settled and agencies were again allowed to perform these "recerts," a backlog had developed. Now the states had a problem they needed...