The Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987
Since the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, nursing homes are required to have sufficient staff members to ensure that each resident receives the basic services and support they need. This is to ensure that their physical and mental well-being is maintained throughout their time in the nursing home.
The Reality: Lack of Enforcement and Resident Harm
The lack of enforcement of these regulations has led nursing facilities to offer insufficient staffing, resulting in inadequate care that ultimately causes residents to suffer. Care staff in nursing homes comprises the following:
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
- Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)
- Certified nurse aides (CNAs)
The Role of Registered Nurses in Resident Care
The facility must meet specific standards, needs, desires, and goals to ensure the safety of its residents as well as maintain their highest practicable well-being. Nursing homes are required to have a registered nurse for eight hours per day as they provide expertise in the following areas:
- Infection control planning and management
- Resident assessment
- Care planning
- Identification of chronic conditions
- Treatment of chronic conditions
Nursing homes often have an insufficient number of staff as a way to save money and increase their overall profits.
Why Proper Staffing Matters
Receiving the proper treatment is crucial for patients to maintain both a healthy state of mind and a healthy physical body.
California’s Standards: Title 22 Regulations
Title 22 makes it so that nursing homes in California must meet specific standards on the following:
- Food service
- Personal care
- Supervision of residents
This is to ensure that residents are kept safe during their stay in these nursing homes.
The Human Cost: Impact on Patients and Families
Individuals who rely on caregivers to maintain their health suffer when these standards are not met. In addition, families of these patients also suffer. Many families feel helpless as they watch their loved ones decline. There is an emotional and financial burden on both the patients experiencing a lack of adequate care, as well as the families of the residents. These patients must receive appropriate treatment to ensure they maintain a level of health and safety.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
It is crucial to seek legal help when dealing with a lack of care, as it can result in serious and long-term injuries for the patient. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you are entitled to. The KAASS LAW team can help you build a case around nursing home neglect. We can do the following:
- Investigate
- Gather evidence
- Make a personalized case
- Protect you and your loved ones
Conclusion
Nursing home neglect as a result of having an insufficient number of staff can cause serious harm to patients and their families. Without proper enforcement, residents continue to suffer due to understaffing and poor care. With the proper legal support, like that offered by KAASS LAW, you can receive the justice you deserve. Contact KAASS LAW for a confidential consultation today.