The Legal Ramifications Nursing

The Legal Ramifications Nursing

Statistics behind abuse and neglect in nursing homes today? What are the legal ramifications in an allegation is found to be credible and what measures should be in place to prevent these tragedies from occurring in

There are legal ramifications for the abuse and neglect of a skilled nursing facility resident. (Block, M. , & Sinnott, J. 1979) Anyone who is suspect of a patient being abused or neglected has several points of contact in which they may report their suspicion. On site at the facility you can see the nursing home administrator, director of nursing, or the social worker. Law enforcement agencies, such as the local or state police are also options. (Anetzberger, G. 1987) Each state has an ombudsman, and depending on the size of the city/town where you live, there may be a local ombudsman closer by the facility. Introduction

Nursing home abuse and neglect cases are popular stories covered by today's new media. (Knottnerus, J David and Ulsperger, Jason. 2010). Many investigative reporters are equipped with hidden cameras and are posing as family members and secretly visiting nursing facilities who are either suspect for neglect and/or abuse, or to prove a point pertaining to nursing home care. They try to obtain proof of the accusation and report these stories to the public by way of media news coverage. So what are the true facts and statistics behind abuse and neglect in nursing homes today? What are the legal ramifications in an allegation is found to be credible and what measures should be in place to prevent these tragedies from occurring in the first place? (Bureau of Justice Statistics. 1994)

There are legal ramifications for the abuse and neglect of a skilled nursing facility resident. (Block, M. , & Sinnott, J. 1979) Anyone who is suspect of a patient being abused or neglected has several points of contact in which they may report their suspicion. On site at the facility you can see the nursing home administrator, director of nursing, or the social worker. Law enforcement agencies, such as the local or state police are also options. (Anetzberger, G. 1987) Each state has an ombudsman, and depending on the size of the city/town where you live, there may be a local ombudsman closer by the facility. (Payne, B. K. 2006) Adult protective services agencies, or advocacy groups, community or church representatives are also persons who can assist. And finally, the licensing agency or state survey organization which monitors the facility for compliance is a direct point of contact for reporting your suspicions. In North Carolina, it is required for the Nursing Home Administrator's, Local Ombudsman, and North Carolina Department for Health and Human Services, telephone numbers is readily available to visitors, and residents. Under no circumstances should any resident be subject to verbal, sexual, physical and mental abuse, corporal punishment and involuntary seclusion. (Mollette, Glenn. 2001)

Legal Ramifications Are for Abuse and Neglect in the Nursing Home Setting

Abuse and neglect is referring to the elderly, ...