In a recent response to the rating system that leaves nursing homes playing the system, an article noted the importance of looking for more than simple solutions to a larger, systemic issue. The fact that nursing homes are able to rank at 4- and 5-star levels is not the biggest issue. It is the fact that nursing homes are still not improving, rating or no rating.

A nursing home has settled claims in the amount of $655,000. The claims arose from a case involving patients who did not consent to taking psychotropic drugs, but still received them. Each of the 305 patients, previously and currently at the home, was paid $600 of the total settlement.

One state ranked 47th in the nation for overprescribing anti-psychotic drugs to dementia patients. The state not only falls in the ranks with the worst of the worst for these drug prescriptions, but also raised the percentage of anti-psychotic drugs prescribed while other states dropped 17%. Concern is rising with the statistics for this state.

A nursing home has been cited by the Virginia Department of Health for violating policies in regards to medication. The home had several drugs, both controlled and over-the-counter substances that were expired. The drugs were not only on the shelf in the medicine cabinet, but were observed on carts being dispensed to patients.

A former nursing home employee has been charged with 33 counts of forgery and theft. She embezzled over half a million dollars during a three year period. She was writing check and moving funds with little accountability.

A nursing home medication technician has been charged with a misdemeanor for stealing drugs for patients in a nursing home. She was caught and plead guilty to the charge. The allegations included stealing 460 pills, with 230 from just one patient.