Last week, PA passed a protective bill for nursing homes, hospitals, and other related businesses that would be retroactive from March. This shield provides protections from potential lawsuits due to the current coronavirus pandemic, and is intended to prevent frivolous lawsuits. Those opposed to this bill are concerned that it will make our state’s elderly residents vulnerable to inadequate care during these uncertain times, since it sets the bar to prove liability and negligence very high. Given the fact that inspectors have not been able to enter facilities such as nursing homes since March, this is especially concerning to some residents and advocates. As of the time of the news report, it is uncertain whether Governor Wolf will sign this bill into law or not.
As we all know, not all nursing homes are created equal. This also means that not all nursing homes provide the same level and quality of care. With this in mind, you will need to research possible nursing home options extensively to avoid the possibility of negligence or abuse of a loved one, as well as under/inefficient staffing. Attorney Doug Stoehr is a central Pennsylvania lawyer specializing in nursing home abuse and negligence. For more information on his practice, please call his Altoona, PA firm at 814-946-4100.
Original news article may be found here: https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/pennsyvania-nursing-homes-covid-19-liability-shield-20201124.html