New Law Requires California Nursing Homes to Post Ratings
California is the first state in the country to require nursing homes to post the ratings of their facilities, according to latimes.com. The ratings give facilities between one and five stars based on the quality of care provided at that nursing home and are compiled by the federal government.
The law was passed in 2008 and took effect this year. Nursing homes must also post information about how the ratings are compiled, and how to get information about the home’s licensing record online from the Department of Public Health. In California, there are more federally rated nursing homes than in any other state: 1,235. Among those homes, 187 got five stars; and on the other hand, 195 got a one star rating.
Proponents of the law say that it will incentivize nursing homes to maintain high standards, as well as provide information about the quality of care to both the patient and family members. However, opponents are not pleased about the rating system. They claim the ratings do not include recent state violations, and punish nursing homes that care for very critically ill patients.
The new ratings system will provide a patient and family members with more information on the quality of available nursing homes. Poor care, as well as elder abuse, can be a serious problem in nursing homes. The ratings, as well as the information from the Department of Public Health, will help families steer clear of unsafe homes.
Has a loved one experienced elder abuse or nursing home neglect at a care facility in California? If so, call the Simi Valley elder abuse attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm at 818-886-6600 for a free consultation.
