State agencies cite several nursing homes for deficiencies in care

February 23, 2013 (Press-News.org) State agencies cite several nursing homes for deficiencies in care

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Nursing home neglect and abuse is a serious problem in the United States. While Americans hope that their loved ones are in good hands, sometimes, this is not the case. Examples of nursing home neglect include falls, medication errors, bedsores, malnutrition and other matters of disregard. To combat the issue of abuse in care facilities and ensure that residents are sufficiently cared for, state agencies inspect and assess nursing homes periodically.

Inspectors acting on behalf of the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have been evaluating the level of care in nursing home facilities across the state of Massachusetts. The agency classifies deficiencies as serious if they harm a patient or put a resident in imminent danger. Nursing homes with serious deficiencies are penalized and fined. Issues that do not harm a resident or have little potential to do so are also noted. These problems must be corrected and may require a plan of correction by the state; however, they do not result in any sanctions.

According to Lowell Sun Online, several facilities have failed to maintain an appropriate level of care across the state. In one incident, a nursing home in Wilmington was fined $117,160 after a patient died of drug toxicity dude to a medication error. This is the highest civil monetary penalty CMS has issued in Massachusetts over the past few years.

Additionally, a facility in Tewksbury has been cited for 27 deficiencies since 2009, more than twice the state average, according to Lowell Sun. In the most recent report, the care facility was penalized for the following five acts of neglect:
-Failing to execute a timely administration of medication to one patient
-Failing to ensure that a heath professional sign and date all orders for two residents
-Failing to follow care plans for three residents
-Failing to make sure five residents were examined regularly by an attending physician
-Failing to adequately maintain one patient's clinical records

In Massachusetts, fines are levied by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services based on recommendations from the Department of Public Health's Division of Health Care Quality. Fines and other penalties are issued based on the severity of the issue.

If a patient is harmed or the potential for harm exists, the care provider has three months to correct the problem. The state Department of Public Health recommends viewing inspection reports before choosing a home.

If you or a loved one has been victimized by the carelessness of a nursing home facility, contact an experienced personal injury law attorney today.