Infections In US Hospitals Are Out of Control States California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck

Written by Adam Peck Category: Nursing Homes January 23rd, 2013 2 min read

An estimated 400,000 people die every year due to infections in US hospitals and nursing homes, according to a new study says Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck.

Infections in nursing homes have become a leading cause of illness and death in the US, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health said in the study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.

The study examined the deficiency citation records used in Medicare/Medicaid certification between 2000 and 2007. The data represented 96 percent of all US nursing home facilities, Xinhua reported.

Nearly one in seven nursing homes is cited for deficiencies in infection control practices each year, the findings showed.

There is a strong correlation between low staff levels at these nursing homes and the receipt of an infection control deficiency citation, the researchers noted.

The high number of deficiency citations suggests there was a need for infection prevention programs to protect the elderly, according to the study.

The researchers said that when faced with staff shortage, nurse aides, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses are likely to rush and may cut corners on infection control measures, such as proper hand washing. according to Elder Abuse Attorney Peck.

A number of states have already enacted laws that apply to infection prevention practices in long-term care facilities.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.