Protecting Seniors’ Rights in Nursing Homes

With instances of elder abuse becoming more and more common in the United States, it is important to focus our attention on protecting seniors’ rights in nursing homes. In the last twenty years, there have been a number of different federal and state laws introduced in order to protect the rights of seniors residing in nursing homes from neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

The Rights of Seniors in Nursing Homes in California

The state of California has been taking steps recently in order to protect seniors’ rights. Legislation has been passed that raised the minimum of nursing caretaking hours in 2018. Additionally, on April 9 of this year, the Department of Public Health released an All Facility Letter that outlined its updated guidance for annual audits or nursing home staffing policies. The audit system has been historically ineffective in the past, with a lack of consequences imposed on nursing homes for violations. The state is now attempting to modify the audit system in order to be in compliance with the new staffing requirements as set forth in SB 97.

The California Advocates for Nursing Home Care Reform

The California Advocates for Nursing Home Care Reform, a group created with the goal of improving nursing home conditions in California, came out with some recommendations to improve conditions for seniors residing in nursing homes in this state. Some of these recommendations include appointing new (consumer-minded) leaders to run the Department of Public Health, regulating nursing home chains, and to support the establishment of safe staffing requirements for nursing homes. These advocates are working hard to establish and maintain the rights of seniors who reside in nursing homes.

If you or a loved one residing in a nursing home has suffered an injury due to abuse or neglect, the nursing home abuse attorneys at The Peck Law Group can help. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your potential case.