In particular, the report identifies the following problems relating to improper patient care:
- Inadequate nutrition and hydration
- Improper use of psychotropic medication
- Inadequate pressure sore treatment
- Inadequate restorative care and specialized rehabilitation services
- Failure to protect residents from harm due to falls
- Failure to investigate allegations of resident abuse
- Inappropriate use of restraints
Human Management Resources has had the contract to staff Alabama’s three veteran’s homes since 2004. In 2007, an Alabama Department of Public Health inspection revealed staffing violations and the company was downgraded to probationary status.
Despite the reports of serious safety violations, no immediate penalties have been implemented. ‘Scot Montrey, a spokesman for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division says, “It is quite possible that some remedies will already be under way. “Our next step…depends on the level of cooperation we receive, but typically we reach some kind of settlement rather than having to file a lawsuit.”