In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which sparked a devastating economic and social disruption across the globe, members of the New York State Bar Association and the larger legal community put together a task force to help ensure laws and policies sufficiently protect vulnerable populations and guarantee equitable access to high-quality care. After all, the pandemic not only led to an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work, but it particularly impacted older individuals. Nursing home residents, a more vulnerable population, have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Nursing homes and other long-term care settings have emerged as sites of suffering, isolation, and loss. In reply, John Dalli, Esq., a founding member of Dalli & Marino, LLP, joined a board of 24 other members of the “Task Force on Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care.” John and the other Task Force members have been asked to examine what happened during the pandemic to those receiving long-term care and examine whether the adverse events suffered by those receiving long-term care in New York could have been avoided.
What is the Task Force on Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care?
In general, the Task Force aims to systematically evaluate the regulatory and statutory framework under which New York nursing providers operate. In their final report, the Task Force examines the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on community-based and institutional providers, the individuals they serve, and their loved ones. Finally, it provides a list of recommendations for change, including to applicable statutes, policies, and regulations where needed.
The mission of the Task Force, as described in the New York State Bar Associations “Report and Recommendations of the Task Force on Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care,” is the following:
“The mission of the Task Force is to systematically review the long-term care sector pandemic experience. In particular, the Task Force undertook a review of the statutory and regulatory framework under which nursing homes and other long-term care providers operate in New York State; examined the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on institutional and community-based providers and the individuals they serve; and now makes recommendations for change including to applicable statutes, policies, and regulations where needed.”
Opening up shop in August of 2020, the task force conducted biweekly meetings for seven months in which they discussed these issues and potential solutions. They also heard from several representatives in organizations that have been involved in understanding the effect that COVID-19 has had on nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The report, linked at the bottom of this page, outlines the range of issues that the Task Force identified as critical and integral components that span structural, governmental, and provider level systems.
Call an Experienced New York Nursing Home Coronavirus Exposure Lawyer
If your family member may be wrapped up in an abusive or neglectful situation by virtue of unlawful actions by nursing home staff or administrators, it’s crucial that you get in touch with the trustworthy lawyers at Dalli and Marino. If this Task Force is any indication, John Dalli and the rest of the experienced team at Dalli and Marino understand what you’re going through and are committed to protecting your loved one’s rights throughout the legal process.
During this time, nursing homes should take every precaution possible to defend their residents and employees from COVID-19 exposure. Though many nursing homes have safeguarded their residents by following guidelines and adhering to protocols, others have neglected the well-being of their vulnerable residents. If you think a family member is facing neglect or abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, the attorneys at Dalli & Marino are here to help.
Our veteran New York trial attorneys have been advocating for victims of nursing abuse since 1996. We seek to build strong relationships with our clients through communication and trust to fully understand their needs. We go at each case with a client-centered approach, and we’re committed to helping you recover the money you deserve. Call us at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
