Bill would restrict use of arbitration in nursing home disputes

Two Senators have introduced a bill that would prevent nursing homes from forcing residents to sign arbitration agreements prior to a legal dispute.

Right now, it's not uncommon for nursing home corporations to insist that residents sign a contract agreeing to arbitration in disputes. As Sens. Mel Martinez (R-FL) and Herb Kohl (D-WI) see it, however, such pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses take away residents' and families' right to hold a facility accountable in court for care resulting in serious injury or death.

The bill wouldn't forbid nursing home companies from entering arbitration when disputes arise, just pre-dispute agreements that prohibit court battles.

To learn more about the bill:
- read this Modern Healthcare article (reg. req.)

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