Nursing Home Abuse News

DSHS Fines Privately Owned Nursing Home

OLYMPIA -- The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) levied a civil fine of $9,500 on Pacific Care Center, a privately operated nursing home in Hoquiam, for violating state and/or federal standards of care.

DSHS imposed the fine for deficiencies related to resident assessment and quality of care found during a full standard survey completed at the nursing home on Feb. 17. DSHS delays the levy of civil fines to give a facility the opportunity to question cited deficiencies through the state's informal review and dispute resolution process. A facility has 20 days from the date of state notification to appeal the imposition of civil fines.

The 109-bed nursing home is located at 3035 Cherry St. It is licensed to, and operated by, Pacific Rehab NW LLC, serving Medicaid, Medicare and private-pay residents.

State law requires nursing homes to make complete copies of the DSHS Statement of Deficiencies and the nursing home's Plan of Correction available for public viewing whenever violations occur. Interested persons can view those documents at Pacific Care or by making a public disclosure request through DSHS' Region 6 office.

DSHS enforces federal Medicaid/Medicare and state licensing requirements for about 250 nursing homes statewide, through annual unannounced inspections and complaint investigations. Washington nursing homes must be in substantial compliance with all requirements to participate in each government health-subsidy program.

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	Did You Know?
	Anyone can report nursing home abuse and neglect. Anyone can and should report abuse and neglect. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to abuse or neglect a resident. If you suspect abuse or neglect, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and report the allegation immediately. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident. Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.