Easing Nursing Home Fines Spell Trouble for Residents

Fines against nursing homes for neglect and abuse are set to decrease as part of a broad relaxation of regulations on business under the current administration.

It is a welcome change for the nursing home industry who have complained that, up to now, federal inspectors have placed more emphasis on catching wrong doers instead of helping nursing homes improve. Some say that the time and effort that goes into complying with regulations would be better spent on providing quality care.

However, advocates for nursing home residents are concerned that the revised penalties spell trouble for patients. Since 2013, nearly 6500 nursing homes – a staggering 40 percent – have been cited at least once for a serious violation, which often includes neglect resulting in serious injury to elderly residents. Without the threat of a hefty fine, some believe that a valuable patient safety tool has been lost.

Contact an Iowa Nursing Home Neglect & Elder Abuse Attorney

Unfortunately, with regulations easing on the nursing home industry, there may be more incidences of nursing home neglect and abuse. If you or a family member is injured in a nursing home in Iowa, it is important to seek the help of an experienced nursing home neglect and elder abuse lawyer to hold the facility and their staff accountable. For a free consultation, contact the Des Moines nursing home neglect and elder abuse lawyers of John T. Hemminger Law Office for help today at 515-283-2116.