Federal Regulators Say Care Homes Should Provide CPR to Residents in Distress
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has come out strongly against policies in nursing homes and assisted living facilities that prohibit cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for residents in distress. According to McKnights.com, unless a resident has a “do-not-resuscitate” order or advance directive in place, nursing homes must provide CPR to a resident in cardiac arrest. Violation of this policy could result in survey citations and steep fines, federal officials warned in a recent memo to care facilities.
Federal officials say there is a general shift in nursing home populations with younger, short-stay residents choosing to stay in these homes. Scientific research shows CPR is effective with this group. The law also requires CPR-certified staff to be available at nursing homes and care facilities at all times.
We entrust our loved ones to the care of professionals because we believe that they will provide the necessary level of care during our loved ones’ golden years. As professionals, we expect these facilities to hire quality staff and provide a superior level of care. However, this does not always happen. Nursing homes in Oklahoma are notorious for understaffing their facilities in order to maximize profits.
If your loved one was mistreated, abused, or neglected at a nursing home, it is crucial that you understand your legal rights. Negligent nursing homes should be held liable for the injuries, damages, and losses they cause. An experienced Oklahoma nursing home lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.