Eighteen counties have reported more than 10 deaths linked to long-term care facilities. ABC News (5/31, Romero, Pecorin) reports families contemplating lawsuits against long-term care facilities across the US over the treatment of loved ones amid the COVID-19 pandemic could find it “an uphill battle” as states move to protect healthcare providers from legal liability and Congress considers similar protections for nursing homes nationwide.
Supporters of such measures “say they protect front-line workers from ‘frivolous’ legal action in the midst of an emergency,” but advocates for older adults and their families “say the ongoing and potential lawsuits are about protecting residents.” Bloomberg Law (5/29, Johnson, Subscription Publication)