In mid-June, we wrote about the fight in Congress to invalidate arbitration clauses in admissions contracts and arguments both for and against the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act.
On Wednesday, July, 30th, the House Judiciary Committee approved the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act – which outlaws the signing of an arbitration agreement as a prerequisite to admission in a nursing home. The committee’s decision now clears the way for the bill to go to the House floor for a full House vote. Furthermore, “the Senate version of the same bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.” The passing of this bill would allow seniors in nursing homes the right to a fair trial in an instance of neglect or poor treatment, if they so choose.
Still long-term care advocates oppose the legislation, arguing that, “arbitration agreements are helpful and allow them to devote limited Medicare and Medicaid resources to providing quality care instead of funding lengthy court trials.” The battle continues and only time will tell end result of this Act.
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