We Must Pass The Nursing Home Patient Protection and Standards Act of 2011

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

Pass The Nursing Home Patient Protection and Standards Act of 2011. Assure that nursing home residents are properly cared for, and that facility owners and administrators are accountable for the care of these residents.

Millions of Americans – those who are elderly, ill and frail – currently reside in nursing homes. The decision to move into a nursing home is often emotionally painful, as individuals must accept their lack of independence and unfamiliar surroundings because they are no longer able to care for themselves. However, these most vulnerable Americans are often abused and neglected in the very facilities that are intended to provide care. These individuals must be protected through our legislative process.

House Bill 2522 was recently referred to the House Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Passage of this legislation would amend sections of the Social Security Act to allow for improved oversight of nursing home care provided under Medicaid and Medicare programs. In addition, protection against retaliation for whistleblowers – employees who report inappropriate treatment or conditions in nursing homes – would be put in place.

The process of checking into a nursing care facility does not include relinquishing one’s rights to dignity and proper care. In fact, these rights are included in many existing federal and state statutes. Some of these rights include treatment with respect, consideration and personal dignity which is adequate and appropriate, given the resident’s condition, and freedom from mental and physical abuse. However, existing statutes do not go far enough and do not include sufficient punitive measures for caregivers, administrators, and facility owners to assure that proper conditions exist. Sadly, the elderly and infirm in American society are viewed as a nuisance. This lack of respect, coupled with the greed in the nursing home industry, leads to cutting corners, inappropriate staffing and resident neglect.

Please urge Congress to enact nursing home reforms so that elderly and ill residents are protected from undue suffering and humiliation.

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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.