Chicago Personal Injury Law Blog

An Augusta, Georgia nursing home was shut down last week by state regulators. The basis for the closing of the nursing home was the failure of the nursing home management to correct deficiencies found in a recent survey, or inspection.

The deficiencies related to the failure of the nursing home staff to follow physician orders and the resident care plans. These failures resulted in some residents developing pressure ulcers, or bed sores. When the state regulators found that the deficiencies had not been remedied, they decided to close the home.

When the state inspects a nursing home, if they find a deficiency, the inspector issues a citation. The nursing home administration is required to submit and implement a plan of correction to correct the problem and prevent its recurrence.

After the plan of correction is submitted, the state returns to inspect the home to make sure that the problems have been remedied. If the problem has not been corrected, the state will take more aggressive action, which can include closing the nursing home.

Nursing home inspections are an important tool to ensure that the nursing homes are providing care in accordance with state and federal regulations and to ensure that nursing home residents receive proper care. Failing to follow regulations can be the basis for a nursing home abuse and neglect lawsuit.

You can search for information concerning a nursing home's citation history at the Illinois Department of Public Health's web site.

Labels: bed sores, Nursing home abuse and neglect