Nurses and health care providers who have abused drugs in the past will be facing tougher standards laid out by the State of California. In order to maintain their licenses, health care professionals, after treatment, will be required to pay for regular testing. After any negative tests, a nurse will be able to go back to work, but will also be required to take 104 drug tests. However, the first failure of a drug test will immediately suspend a nurse's license. All nurses who require enhanced supervision can be publically identified. In nursing homes, patients are trusting the staff with their health and well-being. Nurses are held to standards because they are providing a variety of important care to patients. Nurses who neglect their jobs by being on drugs may be more likely to abuse or neglect patients as a result. It's important that health care professionals are acting properly in their profession and held accountable for any negligence they exhibit.

Valley Gardens Health Care, a for-profit nursing home, was caring for patient Robert Doscher when he fell and struck his head twice on the floor causing him to be in a comatose state and soon die. Valley Gardens knew that Doscher was at high risk for falling and should be on a plan where he was checked on every one to two hours. It was also recommended that his room be placed near a nursing station. However, three days after admittance, Doscher fell and struck his head and was then found by the staff on the floor. This was investigated and it was found that there was no proof that the staff was checking on Doscher every one to two hours, as well as the fact that his room was not near a nursing station. Just three weeks later, Doscher was found on the floor again. He was soon taken to the hospital in a comatose state where he died within 24 hours. It was found by the California Department of Health that Doscher was inadequately cared for by Valley Gardens. California Nursing home abuse cases can often result in death. Any number of accidents or injuries can occur in nursing homes including head trauma, broken bones, bedsores and other wounds. When the staff and nursing home neglect patients like Doscher, they should be held responsible for their lack of necessary care.

If you or a family member is planning on residential care in a nursing home or other care facility it is important to ensure that you utilize all available tools to help your decision. one of the most effective tools is the Medicare Nursing Home Compare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency that oversees state and federal run programs, including nursing homes. There are strict standards that all long-term care facilities must abide with in order to receive state funds or remain accredited. Failure to comply with state and federal regulations can result in hefty fines and even closure of the facility. The Medicare site provides a comparison tool where you can review several different key factors about the nursing homes in your area. Putting an end to California Nursing Home Abuse is no easy task. There are many problems that are simply too large to overcome. However, as a consumer you can help. By researching the facilities prior to committing yourself or a family member to care, you can make informed decision. It is important to remember that nursing home abuse and neglect can happen even if you take all of the necessary precautions. if you or someone you loved has been involved in nursing home abuse or neglect contact one of our qualified California Elder Abuse Lawyers today.

The Arbor View Rehabilitation and Wellness Center has been fined $100,000 and a AA citation by the California Department of Public Health for causing the death of a patient. The patient was readmitted to the care facility after having a gastrostomy tube inserted. After a dislodging of the feeding tube, a vocational nurse at the Arbor View Rehabilitation and Wellness Center reinserted it incorrectly causing fluid to store in her abdomen instead of her stomach. The citation issued to the Santa Monica Nursing Home is the most severe allotted. To read more about the August 14, 2009 Press Release by the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform read Santa Monica Nursing Home Fined $100,000 for Death of a Resident Due to Neglect. Our team of qualified California Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys will work hard to get you the compensation that you deserve if you or a loved one has experienced elder abuse like the example described above. California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect is serious and can be fatal in extreme cases. Hiring an experienced California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer is the best way to get the justice that you deserve. We have recovered millions for our clients and will treat your case with dignity and respect while fighting to get you a just settlement.