Here are six things to know about the rule.
1. The rule would make it easier to sue nursing homes.
2. Previously, nursing home admissions contracts have contained clauses that moved disputes about safety and the quality of care into arbitration, according to the article. However, the new rule aims to prevent nursing homes from forcing claims of elder abuse, sexual harassment and even wrongful death into the private system rather than into public view, the report states.
3. The rule is scheduled to take effect by November, absent any court challenges.
4. The rule would only apply to future admissions.
5. The nursing home industry contends making it easier to sue homes could drive up costs and force some homes to close, according to the article.
6. Some government officials and elder care lawyers, however, contend that for corporations, arbitration also potentially keeps embarrassing practices under wraps, reports The New York Times.
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