Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Is REAL — U.S. Government Takes Action

Nursing home abuse and neglect continues to plague the health care system across the United States. Most Americans are unaware of the risks associated when placing loved ones in the care of a nursing home.

For years, one of our most vulnerable populations – – older Americans – –  have been at risk for abuse and neglect due to complex and confusing admission agreements that protected nursing homes owned by big companies from being held accountable in front a civil jury.  In essence, nursing homes are forcing families as a condition of admission to waive their rights to a jury trial.

Finally, the federal government has taken a step to tackle nursing home abuse and neglect by issuing a rule which prevents nursing homes from enforcing these “waiver” or “arbitration” clauses if they receive certain federal funding or payments such as Medicare or Medicaid.

The rule is scheduled to go into effect by November, with the final version warning that nursing homes that require arbitration clauses as a condition of admission will no longer be funded.

If you or a loved one has suffered neglect or abuse, or you have questions about the enforceability of one-side nursing home admission agreements, the team at Grungo Law is prepared to help.  There is no fee for a consultation.  Please call us at (856) 528-4494, or visit our website at www.gcinjurylaw.com.  If we can help, we will.