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NEWS BRIEFS
Ky. to review handling of nursing home abuse cases
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Gov. Steve Beshear has ordered a review of how the state handles reports of abuse and neglect of residents in Kentucky’s nursing homes following a published report that found gaps in the system.
The review by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services will come after the Lexington Herald-Leader recently examined 107 citations issued by the agency over a three-year period when a resident’s life or safety had been endangered. The newspaper investigation found that only seven of 107 cases of nursing home deaths or abuse were prosecuted as crimes.
Beshear spokeswoman Kerri Richardson said Wednesday that the governor requested the immediate review “because the seriousness of the news allegations requires a quick but thorough review and response.”
The citations reviewed involved 18 deaths, 30 hospitalizations, five broken bones and two amputations that resulted from violations of state regulations, the newspaper reported. Thirteen residents were injured as a result of lapses by staff members, according to the citations.
Beshear asked cabinet Secretary Janie Miller to review how state agencies coordinate with local prosecutors.
