Large Nursing Home Chain Sued for ‘Worthless’ Patient Services
The State of Washington has announced a recent settlement that will bring about $1 million dollars to the state.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson said the money is part of a $28 million national suit filed by Attorneys General in eight states across the East and Midwest, and Washington state.
The company, Extendicare, was charged with billing Medicaid for services rendered that Ferguson said were so below standards they were "worthless."
Extendicare, based out of Delaware, operates over 146 nursing home facilities in 11 states, including 15 homes in Washington state.
The money will be split among Medicaid and the states in the suit, much of it to reimburse Medicaid payments. The charges of sub-standard care included:
- Failed to have a sufficient number of skilled nurses to adequately care for its residents;
- Failed to provide adequate catheter care to some of the residents; and
- Failed to follow the appropriate protocols to prevent pressure ulcers or falls
The company will also have to enact a monitored improvement program to ensure care given to elderly and seniors more than meets state, federal, and Department of Health standards - as well as regulatory requirements.
Most of the Extendicare facilities are on the West side near Seattle, but they operate three homes in Spokane.