When nursing homes in RI do not operate to government standards, they are reported to the RI Department of Health and given violations. The following will outline the most types of violations found at three nursing homes with the highest number of violations in RI. These types of violations could amount to abuse. Nursing home abuse occurs when a nursing home, or one of its employees, intentionally or unintentionally causes physical or mental harm to a resident. If you or someone you know has suffered nursing home abuse, contact a RI nursing home abuse lawyer today.
What Were The Common Violations?
- Facility violations. Repairs were needed for damaged flooring, walls and the replacement of safety devices, such as handrails. Other facility violations included improper maintenance of building equipment such as generators. This is especially concerning since nursing homes might have to support medical equipment during power outages.
- Physical abuse violations. Nursing homes have the responsibility not to hire anyone who has a history of abuse, neglect or mistreating residents. Violations were reported due to physical injury that indicated abuse, multiple bruises, found on a resident.
- Care violations. Facilities are required to develop and implement written policies and procedures that prohibit mistreatment, neglect, and abuse. At one RI nursing home, a violation was reported because a resident was not being properly cared for. At another location, a violation was given because the resident was not provided with a wheelchair cushion that caused skin irritation. These instances could amount to mistreatment and neglect.
- Medication violations. Nursing homes must ensure medication error rates do not exceed 5 percent. However, nursing homes are sometimes not in compliance or make errors when they give out medications. For example, one facility was reported because they had an error rate of 11 percent and gave incorrect medication dosages to residents.
- Infection control violations. Nursing home facilities have policies to control the spread of diseases and infections. Violations at one nursing home occurred where employees failed to wash their hands, improperly prepared food and did not wear gloves when cleaning.
How Can I Find Out If a Nursing Home Has Violations?
If you would like to inquire if a nursing home has any violations, you can contact the RI Department of Health and ask if the nursing home has any reports of violations. A report called a Statement of Deficiency (SOD) is generated by the Department of Health and Human Services if a nursing home is issued any violations. These reports are public information and anyone can request them from the RI Department of Health.
Contact a RI Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you or someone you know has suffered while receiving care at an assisted living, elder care or nursing home facility, contact one of our nursing home abuse lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering and other losses. We work with experienced nursing home lawyers that can evaluate your case and can file a nursing home abuse lawsuit on your behalf. They charge no fees unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us today toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out our contact form online.