Residents of nursing homes deserve safe, quality care provided by qualified staff members. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, numerous incidents have occurred that raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of oversight measures as well as penalties levied against facilities that fail to meet minimum standards. As advocates push for increased accountability within the industry, families must educate themselves about their rights while keeping a watchful eye out for signs of abuse or neglect among loved ones residing in nursing homes.
Current State of Nursing Home Oversight in New York
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is responsible for overseeing nursing homes throughout the state. They conduct certification surveys at least once per year to ensure compliance with federal Medicare/Medicaid guidelines as well as state laws designed to protect public health. Additionally, they perform complaint-based surveys when potential violations are reported either by concerned family members or employees within a facility itself.
Unfortunately, critics argue these efforts are insufficient due to low inspection frequencies combined with inadequate financial consequences imposed upon offending institutions—both factors believed to contribute towards an environment where substandard care may continue unabated without significant repercussions.
Fines Imposed Against Offending Facilities Often Inadequate
Despite maximum allowable fines reaching $10,000 per violation under existing legislation governing operations across all 79 private facilities on Long Island, the reality is penalties often fall far short of this threshold. According to a Newsday report published in April 2023, 20 such nursing homes received $144,250 in combined fines during the prior year. While these monetary punishments are meant to deter facilities from cutting corners or neglecting basic responsibilities towards their residents, some argue that they merely represent “the cost of doing business” for many institutions.
In comparison with national averages calculated by policy analysts at the Kaiser Family Foundation—where each nursing home received approximately $33,000 per annum—New York State’s annual fine amount averaged slightly below $10,000 on a per-facility basis. This places New York within the bottom quarter when considered against other jurisdictions across America regarding financial penalties assessed against non-compliant establishments.
Advocates Pushing for Stricter Accountability Measures
Recognizing that existing oversight mechanisms may be insufficient in ensuring adequate care for vulnerable elderly populations residing within nursing homes on Long Island and beyond, advocates have taken up arms demanding change. One prominent voice championing accountability is Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Queens), who has expressed support for granting inspectors greater authority to shutter facilities demonstrating repeated instances of gross negligence—a measure which he claims Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has shown no appetite thus far.
Another proposal gaining traction among stakeholders involves implementing minimum staffing level requirements as mandated under legislation signed into law by former Governor Andrew M Cuomo back in 2021: specifically maintaining ratios equal to 3.5 hours daily care provided directly by certified nurse aides along with registered professional nurses/licensed practical nurses attending individual residents’ needs throughout each day.
The Role Families Can Play In Ensuring Loved Ones Receive Proper Care
Despite ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing regulatory frameworks governing operations within Long Island’s nursing home industry, families must remain vigilant about protecting loved ones placed inside these institutions from potential abuse or neglect scenarios arising due to lax oversight practices currently in place. By familiarizing themselves with residents’ rights, reporting any suspected violations promptly, and retaining legal counsel specializing in elder care law when appropriate, families can help ensure that nursing home operators are held accountable for providing the highest possible standard of care to their charges.
Contact Alonso Krangle LLP To Discuss Your Rights Or Those Of A Loved One
If you or a loved one has experienced substandard care or abuse within a Long Island nursing home located in Nassau County or Suffolk County, don’t hesitate to seek justice. The attorneys at Alonso Krangle LLP have extensive experience assisting clients in holding negligent facilities responsible for their actions.
Our team is dedicated to helping you pursue your rights—or those of a loved one—within the complex legal landscape surrounding eldercare issues. Reach out today by calling (800) 403-6191 for assistance from compassionate professionals who understand what it takes to secure a favorable outcome on behalf of vulnerable elderly individuals entrusted into another party’s care.
Source: Newsday https://www.newsday.com/news/health/nursing-home-state-inspections-2022-kgm0hoxk?