Beginning in January 2011, California nursing homes will be required to post their federal star ratings. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, this new law will go into effect January 1, 2011. California is the first state in the country to make it mandatory for nursing homes to post these federal ratings, which give nursing homes one to five stars depending on quality of care provided at the facility. This rating is similar to restaurants' letter grades in counties such as Los Angeles, which reflect compliance with health and safety standards.

The federal nursing home ratings were instituted a little over a year ago after a spike in incidents involving nursing home abuse and neglect throughout the country. The federal rating system is one of the tools available for families that are looking to place loved ones in nursing homes. The new law, which requires nursing homes to publicly post these star ratings, is intended to ensure that patients and their families are aware of these evaluations and where the nursing home stands.

New Law to Hold Nursing Homes Accountable

Nursing home officials will also be required to post information explaining the ratings and how to obtain information about the nursing home's licensing record from the California Department of Public Health's web site. Facilities that fail to follow these new laws face a range of potential fines. California currently has about 1,235 federally rated nursing homes -- more than any other state. Of those facilities, 195 got the lowest rating -- one star -- and 187 got the top rating of five stars. About 400 nursing homes in Los Angeles County will be affected by this new law.

My hope is that this new law helps hold nursing homes accountable to the people they serve. Transparency is always a good thing. At the same time, it will also give nursing homes an added incentive to maintain their facilities well and treat their customers with the care and consideration they rightfully deserve.

The Importance of Doing your Homework

The California personal injury lawyer of BISNAR|CHASE represent several victims of nursing home neglect and their families. These incidents of neglect and abuse occur because nursing homes put profits ahead of people and deliberately understaff their facilities and hire unqualified, cheap labor to keep expenses low and profits high. This fosters an environment in nursing homes that is ripe for neglect and abuse. In my opinion, this is unacceptable. Unethical businesses that place little or no value on a human life should not be in business in the first place.

These ratings are also a good way for families to be proactive about finding the right nursing homes for their loved ones. The best way to avoid tragic nursing home neglect and abuse situations is to make sure you do your research and homework. Visit the facility where you plan on placing your loved one. Talk to staff members. Talk to residents or other visitors who are there to see their loved ones. Make several visits during different times to check for consistency. By picking the right facility, you greatly increase your chances of obtaining quality care for your loved one.

Seriously injured in a California nursing home accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a California nursing home negligence case. Call 800-586-0277. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE California personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.