A major California nursing chain reached a $15.5 million settlement over alleged understaffing, negligent care and mistreatment of patients, KRON reported March19.
Mariner Health Care, which is based in Atlanta and owns 19 skilled nursing facilities across California, was accused of inadequate care due to understaffing that resulted in an unnecessary amputation, the spread of lice and diseases and a high number of unreported sexual assault cases, according to a 2021 complaint.
The chain allegedly falsified staffing numbers shared with government regulators to improve its published ratings.
As part of the settlement, Mariner will have to reform and improve its practices, implement an independent monitor for no less than three years, and pay $2.25 million in costs and up to $15.5 million in civil penalties, according to the report.