WASHINGTON — Three central Ohio nursing homes were among 33 in 11 states cited for improper care
and billing practices yesterday as part of a $38 million settlement among a major nursing-home
company, the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of Ohio.
The announcement in Washington and Columbus resolved an investigation by the federal government,
Ohio and seven other states into charges that Extendicare of Canada provided services at those 33
homes that were “materially substandard” or “worthless” because the company did not provide care to
residents that meets federal standards, according to the settlement agreement.
The settlement asserts that Extendicare submitted false claims to Medicare between 2007 and last
year, charging that the company demanded payment for “medically unreasonable and unnecessary
rehabilitation-therapy services” for clients in the 33 homes.
The Columbus Rehabilitation and Subacute Institute in Franklinton, the Arbors East Subacute and
Rehabilitation Center on the East Side and the Arbors at London in Madison County were among six
Ohio homes cited in the agreement.
At a news conference in Washington, Acting Assistant Attorney General Joyce Branda said, “These
problems stemmed in large part from Extendicare’s business model — a model that was driven more by
profit and less by the quality of the care it provided.
“Extendicare employed fewer skilled nurses than were needed to care for the very sick residents
in those facilities and failed to properly train and supervise the staff it did have.”
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said, “Not only will the states and federal government be
reimbursed for the millions that we believe was paid for inadequate care, but we will also make
sure that residents living in every Extendicare skilled nursing facility across the country receive
the quality care that they depend on and deserve.”
Full Article & Source:
Federal investigation finds three local nursing homes lacking
3 comments:
As in guardianship, perhaps volunteer monitoring has a job here. The problem is HUGE, NATIONAL, and FRIGHTENING!
Ohio is really in the news lately. And the exposure is great!
I agree and we're next in line some of us are in line already for the same treatment. Applause to Ohio for digging in right vs wrong. Leave it up to the Midwest region with eyes wide open. Thank you!
Post a Comment