The AP reports prior to thousands of nursing home residents dying from COVID-19, “about 4 in 10 homes inspected were cited for infection control problems, according to a government watchdog report that found a ‘persistent’ pattern of lapses.” The article says, “In light of the pandemic, seemingly minor cutting of corners such as an employee caring for residents while battling a cold has taken on new significance.” CMS Administrator Seema Verma “said this week that governors should exercise ‘extreme caution’ before allowing nursing homes to reopen to visitors.” She “announced that CMS plans to name a commission to examine the nursing home response to coronavirus and make recommendations.”

Reuters says data indicate “82 percent of all nursing homes had an infection prevention and control deficiency cited in one or more years from 2013-2017, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.” Meanwhile, “48 percent had such a deficiency cited in multiple years, according to the report compiled at the request of Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, based on data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.” The article adds that some “30,000 coronavirus deaths are linked to long-term care facilities, according to the health non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation’s website.”

From the news release of the American Association for Justice.