DOJ Targets Grossly Substandard Care in Nursing Homes

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a National Nursing Home Initiative that will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents. 

The DOJ has already initiated investigations into approximately 30 nursing homes in nine states. Nursing homes are identified for investigation based on several factors, though it is not immediately clear what the data source for these factors may be. LeadingAge is reviewing this initiative and working to address questions, including what investigation and enforcement processes entail. 

“There are many terrific facilities out there being managed by wonderful people with dedicated staff. To be sure, most of them are great, delivering the care that their residents need and deserve. Unfortunately, there are some really bad apples who are abusing seniors, and we are set on figuring out exactly who they are and putting an end to their cruelty,” said U.S. Attorney William P. Barr. 

According to McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, factors may include settings that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff; those who don’t follow “basic protocols” of hygiene and infection control; those who don’t give residents enough food to eat; those who wrongly withhold pain meds; and those who use chemical or physical restraints.

We will provide updates as we learn more about this initiative