Responsibilities of a nursing home
According to the Nursing Home Reform Act, nursing homes must meet specific requirements in order to receive reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. The Act states, “Participating nursing homes must provide services and activities to attain and maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident in accordance with a written plan of care…”
Washington State has laws that require professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to report any suspected abuse or neglect. These laws also require nursing homes to investigate any report regarding abuse within their facility. All medical personnel have the responsibility to provide adequate care and treatment and protect all residents in their facility.
Anyone with loved ones in a nursing home has the responsibility to report any signs of abuse and/or neglect. It is better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect a problem, contact an experienced Elder Abuse Attorney. Your attorney will see to it that a facility responsible for abuse and/or neglect will be held accountable.
