New Oklahoma Nursing Home Background Check Law Begins Now
When you choose a nursing home for your loved one, you expect a certain level of professionalism from the care providers. There are some Oklahoma nursing homes, however, that hire potentially dangerous care providers who have criminal records. A new state law that went into effect in Oklahoma on March 1 addresses this problem.
The Oklahoma Long Term Care Security Act was designed to cut down on abuse and neglect in our nursing home facilities and adult day care centers. Under the law, all new employees must now undergo fingerprint-based background checks. According to a KOCO news report, all Oklahoma nursing homes must now perform these types of background checks before hiring someone who will have direct access to residents and patients.
This law is not retroactive and only applies to new employees. Some feel that it does not go far enough. There is a clause in the new law that allows individuals who have been convicted of crimes such as robbery, battery, and assault to work in Oklahoma nursing homes as long as seven years has passed since the conviction. It is unclear if facilities will actually hire these types of applicants, but legally they are allowed to do so.
It is perfectly reasonable to be concerned with the level of care that your loved one is receiving. When you visit, make sure you introduce yourself to the staff. Make an effort to get to know the workers who spend time with your loved one, and visit at different times of day so that you can meet the entire staff.
When meeting with your family member at the home, try to notice if anything seems different. Don’t be afraid to inquire about unexplained injuries and request to see your loved one’s medical records if you have concerns. If there are injuries that are not on the report, it could be a sign that your loved one is being neglected or that there is a cover-up.
If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of neglect or abuse, do not hesitate to notify the authorities. File a report, speak with an ombudsman, and research your legal options. It may be possible to seek compensation for the injuries your loved one has suffered, and your actions may prevent future incidents by exposing the wrongdoers. An experienced Oklahoma nursing home lawyer will be able to provide more information about pursuing your legal rights.