Do Nursing Homes Have to Publish Rates of Injuries?

 Posted on September 05, 2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

When it comes to choosing a nursing home in Illinois, safety and the quality of care are paramount concerns for families. In Illinois, nursing homes are required to report various information, including some data related to injuries and incidents involving residents. However, they are not specifically mandated to publish a comprehensive list of injury rates. If you have questions related to nursing home injuries in Illinois, you are encouraged to contact a qualified attorney.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Nursing Homes?

In Illinois, nursing homes are required to follow both federal and state regulations designed to protect residents. These regulations include mandates for reporting specific incidents, especially those involving serious injuries. For example, falls that result in significant harm, allegations of abuse, and medication errors must be reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

While this might sound reassuring, there is a catch: nursing homes are not required to provide comprehensive injury rates for public scrutiny. This means that while they are required to report certain incidents, families may not have access to a complete picture of the injury landscape within a facility.

How Can Families Find Information?

Although nursing homes do not publish injury rates, there are still ways for families to gather necessary information. The IDPH plays a crucial role in monitoring nursing home safety. They conduct regular inspections and surveys, assessing compliance with care standards. Reports from these inspectors often include details about any serious incidents and the nursing home’s response to them.

Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS) provides resources to search, compare, and evaluate facilities based on health inspections, quality measures, and overall ratings.  These ratings can provide insights into how a nursing home handles safety and incidents.

Seeking Further Transparency from Nursing Homes

While the existing regulations are in place to protect residents, families often desire more transparency regarding safety records. Prospective residents and their families should not hesitate to ask nursing homes about their policies on injury reporting and their history of incidents. Good facilities will be open about their safety measures and any other previous issues.

Contact an Addison County, IL Nursing Home Injury Attorney

Ultimately, while Illinois nursing homes are required to report serious injuries, there is no obligation for them to publish injury rates. Families seeking information about a nursing home’s safety should explore state resources, conduct thorough research, and ask questions to ensure they make informed decisions. For more information regarding the legality surrounding nursing home injuries, contact the Winnebago County, IL nursing home injury lawyers with Schwartz Injury Law. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.