Ruthie's Law to improve accountability in nursing homes

The Erie County Legislature has approved Ruthie's Law to require improved accountability from nursing homes in cases where a resident has been badly injured.

According to a press release from Legislator Joseph Lorigo's office, the law, named in memory of Ruth Murray, recognizes that nursing homes have a responsibility to notify family members or guardians as soon as possible when a patient has been badly injured.

"I want to thank the administration and my colleagues in the Legislature for working together to create Ruthie's Law. What happened to Ruth Murray should never happen. More so, the fact that her family was not given the entire story upfront is upsetting and caused a great deal of pain for them," Lorigo said. "By requiring that local facilities follow the guidelines of Ruthie's Law, we take important steps to protect residents and their families, and work toward safer nursing home care."

The law also requires that facilities provide semiannual reports to the health commissioner that detail the number of "Reportable Events."

According to the release, the law will be sent to the county executive for approval.

In addition to the law, the county's Senior Services Department has launched a website, www.erie.gov/ saferseniorhomes, which lists local nursing home ratings, as determined by Medicare, based on health inspections, staffing and quality measure ratings, the release said.

The county assists residents in understanding their options for long-term care through NY Connects.

Information on services and options is available at 858-8526, email at nycon nects@erie.gov or online at www.erie.gov/nyconnects.