Seven Different Connecticut Nursing Homes Are Now Facing Fines for Medication Errors and Negligence

When an elderly person cannot be cared for by his or her own family for any reason, the decision is often made to move him or her into a nursing home. Families expect that the treatment administered will reflect their love for that older person and that he or she will be well cared for. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Seven different Connecticut nursing homes are now facing fines for what authorities say include medication errors and negligence toward patients on the part of those entrusted to their care.

According to authorities, the Department of Public Health stepped in after saying it discovered that the seven nursing homes had incidents of not administering needed medicine to patients, burn injuries, broken bones and other alleged negligence. The fines range from $500 to just under $2000. At this time, there is no word on whether officials will pursue any further action against any of the care facilities.

One care center is accused of denying a patient needed pain medication, mixing up medications for patients, allowing another patient to be burned and several other complaints. Another nursing home is said to have given a diabetic patient too much insulin, leading to the patient’s hospitalization. Yet another facility allegedly broke a patient’s leg. Out of all seven of the nursing homes, only one offered public comment, saying that its employees were provided with additional training after the event transpired. Some of the facilities decided to terminate the employment of involved workers, but others chose not to do so.

Medication errors and other issues associated with medical malpractice such as these can have long-lasting effects. The families of these Connecticut patients may decide to file a medical malpractice claim against the nursing homes or the workers involved in their specific cases. If a hypothetical claim was litigated successfully, it could result in monetary remuneration that could cover any medical costs associated with the alleged negligence, including continuing care.

Source: Hartford Courant, “Seven Connecticut Nursing Homes Fined Following Medication Errors, Injuries“, Kate Farrish, Aug. 19, 2014

Source: Hartford Courant, “Seven Connecticut Nursing Homes Fined Following Medication Errors, Injuries“, Kate Farrish, Aug. 19, 2014