Federal investigators have determined that 90 percent of U.S. nursing homes have at least one or two employees that have been convicted of one or more crimes. It was also shown that 5 percent of all nursing home employees have been criminally convicted at least once. This poses many dangers to nursing home residents who, because of their age and condition, are already vulnerable.
Although there is no federal law specifically requiring federal and/or state criminal background checks on nursing home employees, this study demonstrates that some more regulated form of employee screening is needed. Only ten states require that F.B.I. and state records be checked before hiring, and only 33 require a check of state records. Without a consistent system of background checks for potential nursing home employees, it is much too easy for potentially dangerous or reckless individuals to slip through the hiring process undetected. Once hired, they’ve secured a paying job that provides them with the opportunity to abuse, assault and steal from defenseless elders.
Abuse and neglect can come from various sources in an Oklahoma nursing home. Although abuse and neglect may occasionally come from other nursing home residents and relatives, the addition of convicted criminals poses a great threat to their safety. Many older people decide to move into nursing homes to be better cared for, but oftentimes, they are not. If you have a loved one who is a victim of Oklahoma nursing home abuse, a knowledgeable nursing home attorney can help.
The experienced Oklahoma nursing home neglect lawyers at Maples Law Firm, LLP, will professionally and compassionately work with you and your family to obtain the case result you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at (405) 705-5050.
