Feuer's Nursing Home Complaint Investigation Improvement Act Approved

California Political Desk

April 04, 2007

AB 399 would fight abuse and neglect in nursing homes.

SACRAMENTO – The Nursing Home Complaint Investigation Improvement Act (AB 399), authored by Assemblymember Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles), was approved last week in the Assembly Health Committee by a vote of 10-0. The legislation would fight abuse and neglect by improving the quality and timeliness of nursing home complaint investigations. AB 399 has over 30 registered supporters including the AARP, Congress of California Seniors, Gray Panthers, and Bet Tzedek Legal Services. There is no registered opposition.

This is a matter of basic human dignity,” said Assemblymember Feuer. “Abuse and neglect continue to be problems in California nursing homes, as shown by a near doubling of complaints since 2004. These reforms will help to send a message to nursing homes that abuse and neglect complaints are a top priority for DHS and will be investigated in a timely manner.”

AB 399 would require the Department of Health Services (DHS) to complete investigations within 40 working days; send complainants a written summary of findings about their complaint; investigate facility-reported complaints of abuse and neglect within the same timeframes as public complaints; and extend the number of days a complainant has to seek an informal conference from five business days to 15 days after receipt of the determination.

Today’s vote is an important step toward restoring public confidence in California’s nursing home oversight system,” said Michael Connors of California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR). “Timely DHS investigations will help ensure that nursing home residents are protected from further neglect and abuse once it’s been reported.”

Assemblyman Mike Feuer was elected to the California State Assembly in November to represent the 42nd Assembly District, which includes Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Century City, Westwood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Universal City, Studio City and Sherman Oaks.

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