THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603220036
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
I read with interest ``A growth industry: Nursing-home suits on the upswing'' (Business, March 5). This type of article hurts good people doing good work.
I am a consultant pharmacist and provide services to long-term-care facilities (nursing homes). I am constantly amazed at how little the public knows about all the state and federal regulations every nursing home (different from a home for adults or an assisted-living facility) must comply with to stay in operation. I review the drugs taken by every resident every month and comment to the doctor and/or nurse if drugs could be changed due to toxic effects or too little or too much effect - or because of patient preference. My services are required by federal law. The nursing home is inspected annually by federal and state surveyors. If a complaint is made to the state of Virginia, a surveyor will follow up with the nursing home and complete a report/investigation of the allegation.
Nursing homes routinely provide room and three meals a day and snacks, medical personnel, special training, medication administration, and activities - and meet dietary and treatment needs - all for less than $80 per-day reimbursement by Medicaid. If you were to stay in a motel for a night and have three meals that day, what would be the cost? Probably more than $80.
EMPSY MUNDEN, R.Ph.
Virginia Beach, March 13, 1996 by CNB