Of all the responsibilities we entrust to nursing home staff, medication errors should worry us the least. After all, compared with the daunting logistics of physical care taking, can it really be that difficult to administer a set number of pills at a predetermined time?Apparently – yes. Quite difficult. Study after study – including a recent… Continue Reading
Tag Archives: nursing home legislation
Illinois Lawmaker Seeks To Tighten Reigns On Nursing Homes
Posted in Illinois Nursing HomesFor all the volumes of statutes on the books in the State of Illinois, there is a glowing vacancy when it comes to legislation to help protect our elders— and specifically nursing home patients. Call it a mere oversight if you wish, but much of the current legislation fails to address problems frequently encountered by… Continue Reading
Wisconsin To Ease Nursing Home Penalties
Posted in National Nursing Home IssuesWhen it comes to ensuring that nursing homes are compliant with regulations to protect patients, the enforcement of such provisions falls primarily on agencies within the state. When violations are discovered agencies have several options available to them in their arsenal including issuing a written citation that could become part of the facilities permanent record—… Continue Reading
Will Proposal Notifying Coroner Following Nursing Home Deaths Help Deter Abuse?
Posted in Neglect, Nursing Home AbuseThe Lexington Herald Leader is reporting about proposed legislation that would require Kentucky nursing homes to notify coroners following the death of nursing home patients at the facility or shortly after their discharge. The proposal is intended to assist families and prosecutors to identify and pursue situations involving suspected nursing home abuse and neglect. Currently,… Continue Reading
Medication Aides In Nursing Homes: A Push To Save Money Or Improve Patient Care?
Posted in Medication ErrorsA bill in the Tennessee Legislature would create a new ‘medication aide’ position in nursing homes. The bill would allow medication aides to administer medication under the supervision of licensed nurses as opposed to a registered nurse- a more advanced position. Applicants for the new position would need a high school diploma, one year experience… Continue Reading
Nursing Home Bill Could End Bonuses For Poorly Performing Facilities
Posted in Legislation For Nursing HomesThe Des Moines Register reported on a new bill proposed by Senator Tom Coburn (R- Oklahoma) that would end the practice of paying poorly performing nursing homes a bonus. Under the current system, nursing homes across the country are paid hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses by taxpayers regardless of their record of health… Continue Reading
Nursing-Home-Gate: Olbermann Rant On New Bush Legislation
Posted in Legislation For Nursing HomesI was forwarded this clip by several people following my post on new legislation that restricts the publics right to access nursing home inspections. This law throws another hurdle at those who are victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Well said Keith!
A Call To Abolish Arbitration Clauses
Posted in LitigationMother Jones, the independent, non-profit, investigative authority recently addressed arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts. The blog entry addresses how nursing homes take advantage of unsuspecting elderly in order for them to ‘sign away’ their right to a jury trial. The article details Ken Conner, congressional testimony regarding arbitration clauses. Mr. Conner testified: "All… Continue Reading