Number of Kentucky Nursing Home Inspectors Declines
Since 2005, the number of Kentucky nursing home inspectors has steadily decreased. Nursing home inspectors are tasked with ensuring nursing homes comply with state and federal law as well as investigating allegations of neglect or abuse.
On June 30, 2005, Kentucky had 90 inspectors. That number has since dropped to 72.
Federal officials have found that decreases in the number of inspectors often leads to underreporting of serious problems in nursing homes, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports. Kentuckians for Nursing Home Reform reported the understaffing trend last week. Understaffing means the “quality of care will slip” because “good enforcement is the key to quality care,” said Bernie Vonderhelde, the group’s founder and president.
The inspectors play a crucial role in discovering and preventing substandard care. The inspectors are responsible for nearly 600 licensed long-term care facilities in Kentucky, including nursing homes and facilities for the mentally disabled.
Regardless of the reasons for the staff shortage, nursing home neglect and abuse is a serious problem. If you or someone you know has been the victim of suspected nursing home neglect or abuse you should contact an experienced attorney immediately. They can often help you with getting proper medical treatment, preserving necessary evidence, getting the Inspector General to investigate, and protecting the rights and interests of the victim.
The attorneys of Bahe Cook Cantley & Jones represent victims of nursing home neglect and abuse. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Shawn Cantley directly by clicking here: profile.
For the full text of the Lexington Herald-Leader article, click here.
