Purpose: To determine if the quality of care for home healthcare patients with wounds improves when WOC nurses are integrated into the care team of the agency. Objective: To monitor changes over time (3-4 quarters) to one of CMS's OASIS-based outcome measures, Emergent Care for Wound Infection or Deteriorating Wound Status, in 6 home healthcare agencies as WOC nurses were integrated into practice. This approach was unique because it did not require supplemental data collection; all certified home healthcare agencies are already collecting the data and submitting it to CMS with every patient admission and discharge; CMS reports this (and other) outcome measures back to every home healthcare agency on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the role of each WOC nurse was clearly defined in all six locations and involved them in planning care for all patients with wounds. Outcomes: Over the timeframe monitored, (Q4 2004 – Q2 2005), Emergent Care for Wound Infection or Deteriorating Wound Status has improved in all six locations (100%). We anticipate reporting one and possibly two additional quarters before presentation at conference, if accepted. Conclusion: The addition of WOC nurses to home healthcare teams can improve the quality of care by reducing emergency room visits for wound deterioration. Anecdotally, many patients are more satisfied with healthcare when they can avoid the long delays typical with emergency care. Additionally, reducing unplanned care conserves scarce resources needed for true emergencies.