Kentucky Implements Nursing Home Reforms
Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky has accepted a report on nursing home and elder abuse reform by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). The report was commissioned after a series of nursing home abuse cases in Kentucky and allegations that the state did not investigate them properly. It suggests changes to the procedures for reporting incidents of neglect or abuse. The governor has ordered that the recommendations be implemented immediately.
In July, we reported on the creation of the task force to investigate the reporting of nursing home abuse and neglect. The task force was formed after an investigation by the Kentucky Herald-Ledger uncovered evidence that severe cases of nursing home neglect and abuse were not being properly investigated and prosecuted. The investigation found that of the 107 Type A citations filed in the previous year, only seven were prosecuted as crimes.
The 20 recommendations put forth by the task force include:
· Improve agency notifications of suspected adult abuse and neglect;
· Establish regional specialized Adult Protective Service teams within the Department for Community Based Services;
· Establish joint investigative teams to allow better information sharing;
· Utilize coroners’ offices more effectively throughout investigations;
· Increase training of long-term care investigators in the Office of Inspector General;
· Explore the possibility of purchasing investigative technology;
· Revitalize the Elder Abuse Committee to carry out statutory functions;
· Provide additional training for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors on elder abuse and neglect issues;
· Amend licensure regulations to require in-service training on abuse and neglect for all long-term care facility staff; and
· Publish Statements of Deficiencies issued by the Office of Inspector General in an easy-to-use format for the public.
Kentucky is to be applauded for taking steps in the right direction and other states, including Arizona, should follow its lead. Until that happens, however, nursing home residents and their loved ones should always be on the lookout for signs of abuse and neglect and should contact an attorney if they suspect abuse.
