After one of the deadliest years in New York’s nursing homes, state lawmakers have passed legislation to keep nursing home companies and facility operators accountable for neglect and abuse. In addition, the new legislation will potentially force facilities to spend more on patient care. The new laws passed in April are part of a new state budget that would require for-profit- nursing homes to spend at least 70% of their revenue on patient care with 40% being allocated towards staffers who work directly with residents. Additionally, the legislation will place limits on nursing home profits, requiring profits in excess of 5% to be sent to the state.
The legislation comes after years of critique of the nursing home industry. The goal is to prevent abusive bad actors from entering the business. If you suspect your loved ones have experienced nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s essential to take legal action. Working with a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer is the best way to ensure your loved one’s rights are protected.
The Nursing Home Industry Is Not Happy With New Laws
Not surprisingly, the nursing home industry has blasted the new rules. Leaders in the nursing home industry have critiqued new rules, saying they need larger profit margins to account for things like construction costs. These industry leaders say the problem in the nursing home industry isn’t greed but rather low rates for care. Stephen Hanse, the president of The New York State Health Facilities Association stated that while it costs $266 to provide care per resident daily, New York only pays $211. He also stated that the new laws will ultimately harm the highest quality nursing homes.
New York’s Nursing Homes Were the Most Affected in the Country
While nursing home players are resisting new changes, many New Yorkers are in favor of the new laws. The State’s nursing homes were hit harder than any other state’s facilities with over 13,000 deaths reported. Many family members are concerned that despite an ongoing vaccination campaign, their loved ones are still at risk in understaffed facilities. There are many reports of residents failing to receive proper care and many families have demand reform.
Family Members and Lawyers Worry Nursing Homes Will Find a Way Out of New Revenue Requirements
Many family members and industry lawyers worry that as two-thirds of New York’s nursing homes are for-profit that they will find a way out of new revenue requirements. In a recent press release from ABC, John Dalli of Dalli and Marino stated that he doesn’t think the revenue cap will prevent nursing home operators from doing business with other companies who own the building they rent.
Call an Expert Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New York City
If you believe that a member of your family is involved in a neglectful situation in their nursing home, contact the trusted attorneys at Dalli & Marino. We’re a group of skilled attorneys dedicated to fighting for the rights of nursing home residents. We have an in-depth understanding of New York’s specific regulations and government healthcare and have been at the forefront of demanding change in the industry.
At Dalli & Marino, we are committed to ensuring our clients receive fair compensation for the experience they endured. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients since 1996. We approach each case on an individual basis and serve to help you or your loved one recover the money you need to compensate for your injury or illness. Give us a call at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
