Elder Law

Health Care Law Includes Important Provisions for Nursing Home Residents

By Levin & Perconti

Earlier this year we reported on the widely discussed national health care reform law. The landmark legislation provides for a wide array of important, necessary changes in our nation?s healthcare system for all citizens, including many vulnerable elderly Americans.
However, the House of Representatives is planning to vote on repeal the important legislation in business on the house floor today. The Consumer Voice, an advocacy group for long-term care recipients and their families, published a letter this weekend that rejects the misguided repeal effort.

The organization explains the many positive provisions in the bill that must be preserved. For example, the bill ensured that nursing home owners and operators will be publically disclosed so that everyone can make educated choices about where to seek the long-term care they need. The legislation also strengthened the consumer complaint system, assured adequate disclosure of the need for relocation with nursing home closure, guarantees more training for nursing home assistants, ensures national background checks for employees, and many other vital actions.

If the repeal effort passes through the U.S. House it would still require similar action in the Senate and signature of the President before taking effect?both highly unlikely. Yet, all those who stand in support of fair-mindedness and reasonable care for our vulnerable seniors should stand in opposition to this symbolic attack on health care reform. Please contact your representative and urge a No vote.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on January 18, 2011 (boomark / email).