For Profit Nursing Home Company Centers Health Care Allegedly Siphoned Medicare and Medicaid Money While Neglecting Patients
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (July 1, 2023) – The New York attorney general is suing for profit nursing home company Centers Health Care for pilfering government funds.
The lawsuit states that the owners of the nursing home company pocketed more than $83 million from medicaid and medicare intended for patients. While this was allegedly going on, patients were neglected at facilities outside the state.
The alleged patterns of neglect including unsanitary conditions. There are reports that some patients were left to sit in their own feces and urine for hours.
A representative for Centers Health Care has denied the allegations and said the company hopes to settle the matter out of court. The company includes nearly 40 nursing homes across New York.
There are additional facilities across the state. Centers Health Care purchased the Beth Abraham Center which previously reached a $46.7 settlement for Medicaid fraud.
Liability For New York Nursing Home Neglect
Abuse inside of nursing homes is much more common than many people may realize. According to one analysis by the World Health Organization, “Rates of abuse of older people are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year.” Abuse is much more common in organizations where there is little oversight or accountability. There are a number of reasons that nursing home patients are particularly susceptible to abuse.
- Many nursing home patients are in poor health.
- Some nursing home patients have physical disabilities.
- Some nursing home patients have cognitive impairment.
- Some nursing home patients are socially isolated.
There are a number of state and federal regulations related to the care that nursing home patients must receive. Nursing homes must have sufficient staff to care for their residents. (42 CFR §483.30) They must develop a comprehensive care plan for each resident. (42 CFR §483.20) They must provide the necessary services for residents to maintain good nutrition, grooming and personal hygiene. (42 CFR §483.25) They must ensure that residents do not develop bed sores and, if a resident does develop bed sores, provide the necessary treatment. (42 CFR §483.25) Bed sores tend to be one of the most common and dangerous conditions that nursing home patients face. There are many steps care centers should take to prevent bed sores.
- Nursing home residents should receive adequate nutrition.
- Nursing home residents should be repositioned regularly if they are bedridden.
- Nursing home residents should be regularly checked for bedsores.
- Nursing home residents should be on special pressure relieving mattresses or cushions.
Many nursing homes are run as for profit organizations. These businesses have a direct incentive to make as much profit as possible. But this often comes at the expense of patient care. For example, a nursing home may not hire staff that is well-qualified or properly trained. An understaffed nursing home is also more likely to abuse or neglect residents. Any person that is neglected or abused at a nursing home in New York may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A New York nursing home abuse attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating New York Nursing Home Abuse Claims
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been harmed while staying at a Centers Health Care facility. The accusations by the New York attorney general remain deeply troubling. There needs to be a thorough review of all of the allegations made by care residents and their families.
Have you or someone that you care about been neglected or abused while staying at a Centers Health Care nursing home. There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of highly experienced New York nursing home abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that nursing home residents are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
