Kentucky Injury Law Blog

In Kentucky, Rep Carl Rollins has introduced a bill that calls on Kentucky nursing homes to display the rating they were issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The new five-star federal rating system ranks Medicaid-approved nursing homes in the state according to the quality of care that they provide residents.

Rollins, who has been unsuccessful in his efforts to push through a bill that would require Kentucky nursing homes to have no less than a certain minimum number of employees at each home, says this new bill could hold nursing homes responsible and compel them to work harder to improve their rating.

He wants each Kentucky nursing home to display its rating in a prominent place on the premise, such a the main entrance of the facility, and include a brief explanation of what the rating means. For example, a one star rating signifies the long-term facility care is ranked as “much below average," a three star rating means “about average,” and a five star rating means “much above average.”

287 Kentucky nursing homes were rated under the new Medicare and Medicaid rating system. 10% of these homes received 5 stars, while 23% of the facilities received just one star.

The AARP offers a number of recommendations of what to look for when choosing a nursing home for a loved one, including:

• Ask for a list of the nursing homes in the area that you are considering.
• Try to choose a home that is conveniently located so you or others can visit your loved one.
• Visit the home and take a good look at the facilities.
• Check the nursing home for cleanliness and sanitation.
• Find out how many nursing home workers there are at the facility compared to the number of patients
• Inquire about how many employees work each shift.
• Look at the way residents and nursing home workers interact with one another.

Choosing a Kentucky nursing home where your loved one will be safe and well cared for is one of the most important decisions you can make for him or her at this time. In the event that you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, an experienced Kentucky nursing home abuse attorney can help you deal with the situation and file a personal injury lawsuit for compensation on your loved one's behalf.

Bill would require posting of nursing home's rating, Courier-Journal.com, February 9, 2009

Choosing a Nursing Home, AARP, January 2007

Related Web Resources:

Five Star Quality Rating, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Nursing Homes in Kentucky