Under a new bill proposed by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, the state of California would be required to establish tighter "suitability requirements" for nursing home owners, with the goal of preventing those who have a history of poor performance from acquiring additional nursing homes. Furthermore, under Assembly Bill 927, the Department of Public Health would also be required to make it easier for the public to ascertain who exactly owns particular nursing homes throughout the state. The California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform has called for greater transparency for years, so those contemplating placing a loved one in a California nursing home are able to easily determine who owns the nursing home they are considering. According to a multi-part series on California nursing homes as reported by the Sacramento Bee: "California has more nursing homes than any other state, and one of the country's highest percentages of facilities owned by for-profit interests. Yet, as more private investment groups acquire skilled-nursing facilities, and ownership structures grow ever more layered and complex, the department has not kept pace with industry changes to help consumers evaluate chains - or even to identify the principals behind them." The Sacramento Bee's lengthy investigation into ownership of California nursing homes, also revealed disturbing statistics, including: *One nursing home chain operating in California racked up abuse complaints last year at a pace seven times the statewide rate. *A large competitor placed one in every 15 of its long-term residents in restraints. *Still another corporate giant whose nursing homes dominate the Sacramento region experienced high nursing staff turnover at 90 percent of its facilities. Read more about the Sacramento Bee's investigation here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/investigations/nursing-homes/article11316812.html#storylink=cpy All elders in California nursing homes have the right to quality care and attention. If those rights are denied, abuse must be reported. For tips on reporting suspected neglect and/or elder abuse in a California nursing home, the Justice Department has a helpful citizen's guide that can be found at the following website: http://ag.ca.gov/bmfea/pdfs/citizens_guide.pdf Christopher C. Walton was named to the 2014 Southern California Super Lawyer List, and also named a 2014 Top Attorney in San Diego, California. Walton Law, APC focuses its practice on nursing home abuse, elder abuse & neglect. If you believe you or somebody you know has been subjected to abuse or neglect while residing in a Southern California nursing home, contact Chris at (866) 338-7079 for a free and confidential consultation.
New Bill Aims To Ensure Nursing Home Owners with Poor Track Record Face Stricter Guidelines; Demands Transparency Regarding Ownership of Nursing Homes