GAO: Disaster plans needed for nursing homes

A GAO report has found that the National Disaster Medical System doesn't adequately plan for transporting nursing home patients. Though it's a task that's left primarily to local officials, federal aid may be needed if they become overwhelmed. It's an issue that arose following Hurricane Katrina last year, when nursing home operators were unsure whether to evacuate patients who were already in fragile condition.

"This report outlines gaps in our disaster response system which may have contributed to some of the unconscionable situations during Katrina in which nursing home residents and hospital patients were not evacuated,'' Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), told the Associated Press. Given the disastrous situation at healthcare facilities following Katrina--including accusations that three healthcare workers euthanized critically ill patients--it's clear that the current plan is in need of serious reworking.

- take a look at this AP article