November Elections May Open Door to Changes in Mandatory Arbitration Provisions

Given the recent election results, many experts are now thinking that there may be enough votes in the legislature and executive branches to pass a bill that will prohibit Mandatory Binding Arbitration.  This would be a welcome protection for residents of nursing homes and long term care facilities, who are often the unfortunate victims of oppressive arbitration provisions in admission contracts with facilities. It is our hope that the Arbitration Fairness Act, which has been sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., will be passed as soon as possible in 2009. Click HERE for a recent Consumer Affairs article on this issue.