Nursing home neglect is a serious problem in New Mexico, and when it comes to preventing these situations, one might argue that no amount of regulation is too much. In one out-of-state nursing home neglect case, regulators are doing just that as officials try to improve conditions at the facility. In their attempts to hold the institution up to standard, regulators have levied fines against the home $33,000 and forced it to spend $50,000 in renovations.
Not long ago, regulators determined that the home was suffering from a bedbug infestation. As a result, residents were transported to a hotel last December, where they stayed for several days as the healthcare facility purged the home of the bedbugs. New furniture, new beds, and new clothing were purchased for the residents. Allegedly, the home is now completely free of bed bugs.
In spite of resolving the bedbug infestation problem, however, investigators have closely examined this Pennsylvania nursing home and decided not to provide the home with a normal operating license. Instead, on March 6, the home was given a provisional license under which it is now operating until it resolves regulator concerns relating to how the patrons are being cared for and other safety issues. A spokesperson for the facility stated that it expects all problems to be resolved by the end of April.
The diligence of regulators in making sure that this nursing home adheres to safety codes and other standards is commendable. It is hoped that New Mexico regulators will also be equally stringent with regard to nursing facilities in this state. In the meantime, any individual who suspects that his or her family member has become the victim of nursing home neglect can look into the possibility of seeking justice in court. When such a case is successfully navigated, financial restitution can be obtained to pay for medical care required by the individual to recover from any injuries caused by neglect or abuse. Claims of nursing home neglect will also help bring more awareness to this extremely important issue for our state.
Source: mcall.com, Trexler Park Manor personal care home issued provisional license from the state., Paul Muschick, March 15, 2014
