To the editor:

Public oversight of Kansas nursing homes is heading the wrong way. Kansas seems to be catering more and more to corporate interests recently. For example:

¢ A move we didn’t need – In 2003, the inspection system that wasn’t broken (except according to the industry) was “fixed.” All of the state inspectors were moved from the longtime industry foe, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, to the industry-preferred Department on Aging.

¢ Now fewer inspectors – The already low number of care-home inspectors has decreased even more since 2003, partly from attrition.

¢ Less public information – KDOA now hides the names of administrators and employees in inspection reports, which used to be identified.

¢ Sending the wrong message – KDOA cited Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for an illegal contract which made families promise to pay for residents’ care. But last year, when a nursing home in southern Kansas went so far as to illegally sue a family member on a bill, they got away with NO citation whatsoever.

¢ Ombudsman turnover – The current long-term care ombudsman, a key advocate for residents, is the third one appointed in as many years.

The difficulty is that people are at risk of injury and exploitation when the laws intended to protect them aren’t consistently and strenuously enforced. As a state, we need to focus more on the well-being of residents who live in nursing homes and at least a bit less on the concerns of a very influential industry.

Margaret Farley,

Lawrence