With more reports of nursing home abuse surfacing far too often, it is possible, depending on the circumstances and track record of the nursing homes in question, that these homes may be forced to close. Elderly abuse and neglect from nursing home caregivers is a serious issue, especially when family members already have to make a difficult decision of whether or not to put their loved one in a nursing home in the first place. While many nursing homes and elder care facilities go to great lengths to ensure the safety of their residents, there are some who consistently violate rules and regulations, subjecting their elderly residents to abusive and oftentimes humiliating treatment.
The Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010. In reference to nursing home closure, there are new rules that a facility must follow when the establishment is forced to close such as:
- The administrator must notify legal representatives and other responsible parties of the residents of the facility’s closure in writing.
- The notification must include an appropriate plan for transfer and relocation of the resident based on their individual needs. Each resident’s file will be reviewed accordingly.
- After the notification deadline, the nursing home facility may not take on any more residents.
- If an administrator does not comply with the plan that has been set forth in the notification, a fine of up to $100,000 may be imposed and he or she can be barred from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
If you or a loved one has been subjected to nursing home abuse or neglect, you have valid legal rights. As an important and vulnerable part of our society, the elderly should be able to live out the rest of their days in comfort, with respect and dignity. Ray Maples, founding attorney at The Maples Law Firm, understands how difficult a decision it is to place a loved one is an elderly care facility. As an experienced Oklahoma nursing home abuse attorney, Ray Maples can help victims’ families hold these facilities responsible for their negligent and despicable actions. Call Ray Maples at The Maples Law Firm today at (405) 705-5050 to schedule a free consultation.
