Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Earlier last year, the current administration rolled back certain regulations that the Obama administration put into place regarding the issuance of Civil Money Penalties (CMPs) to nursing homes that were found to have provided inadequate care to residents. Essentially, the regulations allowed for the federal government to fine nursing homes that were not in compliance, including Maryland nursing homes.
Those in favor of the rollbacks claimed that the additional regulations took caregivers’ attention away from residents, requiring that they focus on meeting the regulatory framework set forth by the lawmakers. However, in reality, it seems as though the rollback of the previous regulations has merely allowed for nursing homes to act with impunity as it relates to the level of care they provide to residents.
According to a recent news article, 17 state attorneys general – including those in Washington, D.C. and Virginia – authored a letter to the Trump administration. The letter discusses the importance of senior care, noting that by 2060, the number of people dependent on skilled nursing facilities is expected to double. This means that one in three people will find themselves in a nursing home at some point in their life. Given the fact that about 35% of all nursing homes were cited for a violation of the quality of care being provided to residents, these figures are alarming to say the least.
The letter also explains that approximately 60% of nursing home residents suffer some kind of cognitive impairment, making it difficult to substantiate claims of nursing home abuse or neglect. The implication is that nursing homes are able to flaunt the rules with little fear of being caught.
The state attorneys general explain that the CMPs go a long way to deter a nursing home from flaunting the requirement that it provide a certain level of care. While the CMPs are not often issued, and when they are issued do not usually consist of a significant fine, removing the possibility of sanctions reduces their ability to deal with abusive nurses, which in turn increases the risk all residents face.
Holding Maryland Nursing Homes Responsible
While documenting a case of Maryland nursing home abuse can be difficult, it is not impossible. Nearly every day, news sources report on recently discovered abuse through the use of hidden cameras and witness testimony. When a nursing home employee abuses or neglects a resident, they can be held accountable for their actions through a Maryland nursing home abuse lawsuit.
Are You in Need of an Attorney?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you believe that they have not been getting the treatment they need or deserve, call the Maryland nursing home lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we represent residents and their families in cases against negligent and abusive Maryland nursing home employees and the management teams that allow this type of activity to occur. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Recent Investigative Report Reveals High Rate of Nursing Home Abuse, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published May 21, 2018.
Nursing Home Employees Are More Likely to Abuse “Difficult” Residents, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published May 7, 2018.