A nursing home chain has decided to settle a lawsuit in the amount of $32 million. The lawsuit comes after a federal investigation led by the attorney general. The chain was alleged to have requested reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid for substandard care in twelve of its homes.

Nursing homes are being urged to take better care in preventing the spread of diseases. Studies conducted over the past five years have shown how infections are spreading at faster rates and patients are suffering because of it. Routine screening in addition to reduction of catheters are just a few of the suggestions researchers are making to reduce the spread of infection to nursing home patients.

A new law passed recently to ensure that nursing home patients in one state will be notified if a sex offender is admitted into their residence. The previous law required notification of sex offender addresses near residences and in public dwelling places, such as apartments. Nursing homes, however, were not required to notify patients.

Abuse in nursing homes can come in various forms. There are three main areas to examine to ensure your loved one is safe. The areas include physical, mental and financial abuse.

A national report ranking nursing home care has caused concern for the state with the lowest ranking. In response, state legislators have worked to push through a bill that would close the doors on facilities that are repeat offenders of nursing home neglect or abuse after just three citations. The bill has been deemed the “three strike rule”.

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a nursing home patient who is a ward of the state. The filing comes after multiple investigations led to the charging of three nursing home employees for neglect and abuse of patients. The complaint for the plaintiff reads “While in the care of [the nursing home], and as a direct result of the negligence, wantonness and/or neglect and abuse of the defendants, their owners, agents, servants and/or employees, [the patient] was subject to physical and mental ab…