PA: 'Shame of the State' -Assisted Living lax oversight highlighted

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

i was a volunteer ombudsman in early 90's, investigated and reported on conditions in snf, alf and personal care homes in my county. my director commented how difficult it was to get a facility investigated yet alone closed even with numerous ombudsman reports indicating problems. with our worst run facility, it took five years for the directors reports and lobbying to get closed ...few others were closed during past 15 years. one business owner finally got barred from medicare and medicaid program--his snf+ alf all closed except for one which was sold to another company.....his last facility closed is one listed in second news piece. karen

philadelphia inquirer, feb. 25, 2007:

by ken dilanian

'shame of the state'

troubled facilities and lax state oversight have for years put residents of pennsylvania's assisted-living homes at risk of assault, neglect - and tragedy.

delco times, february 15, 2007:

by cindy scharr

nursing trio charged with criminal neglect

chester -- the director of nursing at the former st. james place and two other employees have been charged with criminal neglect after a 72-year-old patient was found to have maggots in a head wound. criminal charges were filed against former director of nursing donna marie cameron...

[Simplepleasures]

Shame on our oversight agencies, why are they not enforcing laws that they have been entrusted with? Why are most of these cases being found by hospitals, or reletives, then being prosecuted by the DOJ? These state oversight agencies should hang their heads in shame, they need serious REFORMS. I have spoken to many nursing home reform advocacy groups across this country, all their efforts have been thwarted by the powerfull nursing home lobby, we need to get legislators that have a social concience in the seat of power . The last 6 years has not been a friend of healthcare reforms, we can change that with our vote in 2008.