Nursing Home Statistics and Regulations

by Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyers George E. Tragos & Peter A. Sartes

Any form of physical, psychosocial, cognitive, or financial harm a nursing home resident suffers is considered a nursing home injury. Many times the injury is preventable, and unfortunately, it may be due to malpractice. Nursing home malpractice includes both negligent and intentional acts.

Nursing Home Malpractice Statistics

It is a nursing home’s duty to provide a high standard of care for each patient. If the professionals at the home fail to provide this, the facility, personnel, or both could be liable for damages. Nursing home malpractice is a widespread problem in the United States.USA Today reported in 2003 that 50% of all patients in nursing homes suffer from untreated pain. It is important to note that this pain is not always a direct result of abuse. However, federal studies funded by the government have shown that more than 30% of nursing homes in the nation have committed negligence or malice which resulted in the injury to the patients.

Government Regulation

The government passed the Federal Nursing Home Care Reform Act in 1987 to combat the issue. The law sets in place minimum standards of care by nursing homes, as well as guaranteeing the rights of patients living in facilities. State agencies visit nursing home facilities to perform unannounced inspections every nine to fifteen months.

Inspectors from the state are responsible for investigating injury cases and cases of non-compliance with industry standards. The results are available to the public. There is now a minimum of 150 criteria which are used in evaluating nursing homes.

Contact Us

If loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, contact the Clearwater nursing home malpractice lawyers at the firm of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, P.L.L.C. today by calling (727) 441-9030.