Oklahoma City - State Health Department officials say inspections at Oklahoma's 670 long-term care centers are being delayed because of a shortage of surveyors, the result of funding issues.

There are only two inspectors who now oversee 250 assisted living, residential care and adult day care centers, down from as many as seven inspectors in 2007. Dorya Huser, the health department's long-term care division chief, says she needs 10 such inspectors.

Huser says the shortage is worrisome because her division has not been able to catch up on annual surveys or keep up with complaints because of revenue shortfalls.

Wes Bledsoe, the found of the long-term care reform group A Perfect Cause, says the state needs to ensure care centers are consistently monitored.

He says it's typical for care at the facilities to improve when surveyors are present, then regresses over time.