Bill > H7759

This bill amends the "Rights of Nursing Home Patients" chapter by adding a new provision that allows any person, including an estate, to file a lawsuit, known as a "cause of action," against a nursing home that violates the chapter's requirements, in addition to any other legal options they might have. If successful in this lawsuit, the person can recover actual and punitive damages, as well as reasonable attorney fees and court costs. The bill also clarifies that existing penalties for nursing homes that fail to post required information or violate the chapter's rules, which could include fines and jail time, remain in place, and it empowers the department of health to take legal action to enforce these provisions. This change is intended to provide a more direct way for individuals to seek redress when their rights as nursing home patients are violated.

Justice

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