In Nevada, we rely on nursing homes to provide support and care for our vulnerable loved ones. But sometimes, nursing homes don’t live up to our expectations. Management may turn a blind eye to problems. Staff members could engage in abuse and neglect. And the nursing home that is supposed to be a place of safety can turn into a nightmare. That’s why the state of Nevada has strict rules in place to protect the rights of nursing home residents.
At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we believe that nursing homes should be held accountable when negligence or abuse leads to harm. Our nursing home abuse attorneys fight for What’s Right for victims and their families. We are here to talk and answer your questions 24/7. Contact us today for your free consultation, and let us fight for What’s Right for you.
Who Regulates Nursing Homes in Nevada?
The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health oversees the regulation of nursing homes. The Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance, which is a part of that division, handles the day-to-day management of nursing home facilities. The bureau makes regular unannounced inspections of nursing homes and care facilities. These inspections are crucial to effectively regulating nursing homes because they help the government see what’s happening in a facility.
Nursing Home Resident Rights
People who need long-term care and support have important rights under Nevada law and the Nursing Home Reform Act.
These nursing home rights include:
- The right to be involved in discussions about their care and treatment
- The right to privacy
- Access to their records
- The right to communicate freely
- The right to express grievances without facing discrimination or reprisal
- The right to be free from unreasonable restraint
- The right to participate in social and community groups
- The right to use a phone in a private place
- The right to manage their financial affairs
At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we know that sometimes nursing homes and other care facilities may violate your rights or the rights of those close to you. This is never acceptable. We’re here 24/7 to answer any questions you have, and all discussions will be kept confidential.
How To File a Nursing Home Complaint in Nevada
If you suspect a problem in a nursing home, or you’ve experienced one, file a complaint with the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance. You can:
- File a complaint online.
- Print the complaint form and mail or fax it.
- Call the complaint intake line at (702) 668-3250.
The bureau prioritizes investigations depending upon the alleged severity of the problem. Cases, where substantial harm is possible, are usually investigated within one to 10 days. Cases with minimal harm are started within 45 days of the complaint. If a problem exists, let investigators know exactly what’s happening, so they can respond appropriately.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether abuse, neglect, or other significant problems are happening in a nursing home. Management and staff may prevent you from seeing what’s really going on. Document everything you can about your suspicions, including what you think is happening, who is involved, and any evidence, such as photos. This support can be a critical part of a nursing home investigation, so make sure you have copies of everything that could be relevant.
How Nursing Home Complaints Are Investigated in Nevada
Once the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance receives a nursing home complaint, it will start the investigation process.
Investigations can be time-consuming, and they may rely on many different processes, which could include:
- Conducting interviews with residents and staff
- Reviewing records
- Examining policies and contracts
- Observing the facility
It can take a significant amount of work for investigators to detect and document problems, especially if an organization is hiding abuse or neglect. If you suspect problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to investigators. They will listen to you, and they can quickly take action about your complaint.
Penalties for Nursing Home Violations in Nevada
When a nursing home violates the law, it can face significant penalties ranging from fines to closure. The penalties will depend on the nature of the issues and how deep they go.
If investigators find violations, they could impose penalties such as:
- Fines for a nursing home’s conduct
- Preventing the organization from bringing in new residents or limiting which types of patients can be admitted to the facility
- Replacing management with non-affiliated entities
- Complete closure of a facility
While most nursing homes are aware of these penalties and will work to avoid them, some won’t. They’ll cut corners, staff, and costs anywhere they can to make more money. The result can be devastating harm to the residents they are supposed to protect.
If a nursing home violates the rights of your loved one, get in touch with Sam & Ash Injury Law. When a nursing home puts its profits before people, our compassionate advocates will work to do What’s Right for you.
Trust Our Las Vegas Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers
If you suspect a nursing home has broken the law, do not hesitate to take action. Your quick action could save others from being harmed. Get in touch with Sam & Ash Injury Law as soon as you can. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we care about you and your rights. We will review your case in a free and confidential consultation to answer your questions and help you decide What’s Right for you.
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