An investigation has been launched by the State Attorney General’s Office into the handling of COVID-19 by nursing homes in New Jersey. The investigation will focus on both civil and criminal liability and penalties for these facilities. The Office will be investigating the lack of staffing and mishandling that may have led to infection and death of patients, as well as the lack of transparency and failure to communicate with patients’ families during this distressing time.
Attorney General Gurbir Grewal recently opened the investigation due to the rising levels of deaths and complaints related to COVID-19 that have been reported by patients and families to the State. Attorney Grewal was interviewed related the opening of the investigation. He asserted that his Office would be looking into people cutting corners, putting profits over patients, inadequate staffing, and other negligence. Grewal noted the goal of the investigation was to hold facilities accountable for their actions, and further, to take a look to the future for the State’s nursing homes which should be places where patients should be able to feel safe and protected. Attorney Grewal’s interview is referenced here.
As our firm has indicated in previous articles on this pressing issue, if you have any concerns for yourself or a loved one in a nursing home, you may contact the Department of Health and the Attorney General’s Office. The Nursing Home Group at Stark & Stark will also continue to advocate and fight for the rights of patients in nursing homes.