Inspectors under report problems that could lead to nursing home neglect or abuse

According to a report issued this week by Congressional investigators from the Government Accountability Office, state inspectors often overlook or minimize nursing home problems, including cases of neglect and abuse. Problems which pose a threat to residents’ health, such as malnutrition, bedsores, over-medication and nursing home abuse, are missed in about 15% of all state inspections which were checked by federal officials.

For nursing homes to receive Medicaid and Medicare benefits, they must meet strict federal standards regarding the quality of care provided to residents. To ensure compliance with the standards, most facilities are inspected about once a year by state employees who are contracted by the federal government. In some cases, federal officials conduct surveys to validate the state inspections and double check the quality of the reports.

Since 1998, Government Accountability Office reports have demonstrated that these state inspectors often understate the extent of serious nursing home problems which could pose a risk to the health and quality of life of nursing home residents. For this report, results were analyzed from federal monitoring surveys between 2002 and 2007.

>>LINK: Deficiencies in Nursing Home Inspections

Overall, the government report indicates that about 15% of federal surveys found that state inspections failed to cite at least one deficiency which was at the most serious level of non-compliance, defined as nursing home problems which pose a risk of “actual harm and immediate jeopardy.” For nine states, the surveys found deficiencies in reporting cases of nursing home neglect and abuse in 25% or more of the inspections.

NURSING HOME NEGLECT AND ABUSE LAWYERS

The nursing home lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential cases for serious and permanent injuries caused by neglect and abuse at facilities throughout the United States. When nursing home problems result in serious injury or death, the facility should be held accountable for the negligent care. If you, a friend or family member have a potential case, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.