Reps. Ruben Gallego and Tom O’Halleran Demand Answers from CMS Regarding Abuse at Hacienda Skilled Nursing Home Facility
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) and Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) sent a letter to Health and Human Services' Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) demanding additional information and answers regarding the case of a woman in a persistent vegetative state who recently gave birth at the Hacienda Skilled Nursing Home Facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
"Although it is clear that a grave crime occurred in the Hacienda Facility, it is unclear who did it, how the disturbing crime was able to occur, and how many other victims there may be," they wrote. "There were serious health risks for the mother and child associated with this incident, and we remain very concerned with the health and safety of the rest of the Hacienda Facility's residents."
Under the Social Security Act, CMS has the responsibility to work with state survey agencies to survey and certify that nursing home providers are meeting federal Medicare and Medicaid requirements of participation, including responsibility for the safety of residents.
The Congressmen inquire about whether the incident was properly reported, as well as efforts conducted to investigate the incident and immediately implement additional resident safety and security measures. They also request information regarding staff screening and training and measures to hold the Hacienda Facility accountable for any confirmed wrongdoing or negligence.
The signed letter can be found here.