The abuse and neglect of patients in North Carolina’s nursing homes has become a rampant problem. The North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyers at HensonFuerst point out that a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows our state ranks among the lowest in the nation when it comes to the quality of the care that elderly individuals in long-term care facilities receive.
State officials are working to bring an end to North Carolina nursing home abuse and neglect with a bill known as “Burt’s Law.” Gov. Pat McCrory signed the bill into law on Tuesday, May 26, and the law is expected to go into effect on December 1.
WRAL News explains that the law will require any employee or volunteer of a nursing home to report any instance of abuse or neglect that they witness to the Department of Social Services, local law enforcement, and the area’s District Attorney’s office within 24 hours. A violation of the law is considered a misdemeanor.
The bill also creates more stringent punishments for staff members who intentionally injure or steal from residents.
Burt’s Law was named after Burt Powell, a disabled young man who was abused by the manager of the care facility where he was a resident.
At HensonFuerst, we have seen the damage that abuse and neglect can have on victims and their families. That’s why our North Carolina personal injury lawyers are hopeful Burt’s Law can help bring an end to nursing home abuse in our state.