Recently, the United States Senate Committee on Finance met to examine cases of abuse and neglect in nursing homes across the nation. A detailed article on the issue is available here.
During the hearing, those with loved ones who suffered abuse or neglect while in care delivered troubling stories of sexual assault, physical violence, and verbal abuse. Lawmakers in the nation’s capital, meanwhile, sought answers to protect those most at risk of such devastating abuse.
Troubling Accounts
Citing these disturbing stories, officials admitted there is a need for enhanced oversight. Currently, both the Inspector General of Health and Human Services and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) are preparing reports for Congress. A private investigation by CNN in 2017 indicated the government cited over 1,000 facilities for failing to prevent or otherwise mishandling cases.
Corrective Measures
A representative from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) noted facilities must keep residents safe while providing quality care. CMS regulates over 15,000 facilities receiving federal funding. They announced updates to online tools that allow individuals to research a facility’s quality—including the Nursing Home Compare database and Five-Star Quality Rating System, which rates facilities on inspection results, staffing, and other quality measures. The agency has also revised the information required to identify cases of “immediate jeopardy.”
Hope for Improvement
The Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality at CMS says the agency is working to strengthen requirements for nursing homes—including more-stringent enforcement of statutes and regulations, increased transparency, better insight into performance measures, and improved outcomes for residents.
We’ll Fight for Your Loved One
If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, call the experienced North Carolina nursing home abuse attorneys at Henson Fuerst today at 866-677-0420.
If you are concerned about the treatment your loved one is receiving, contact the legal team at Henson Fuerst today. Call 866-677-0420 or complete a free initial consultation form. We have a long history of advocating for the rights of people suffering mistreatment—and will treat your case with respect and compassion.
When you call, you will speak with one of our experienced Raleigh nursing home abuse attorneys. They will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you and fight hard to protect your rights. At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front—and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
