Bilirakis Fights for Better Treatment of Seniors in Nursing Homes

Statement

Today, Congressman Bilirakis joined Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden, Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael Burgess and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Gregg Harper in demanding answers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) about the steps it is taking to fulfill its obligation to protect seniors in Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities participating in the Medicaid and/or Medicare program. To read a copy of their joint letter, click here. This letter follows an October Congressional investigatory hearing into the death of residents at a Rehabilitation Center in Hollywood Hills following Hurricane Irma, multiple media reports of neglectful and abusive treatment of seniors, and significant concerns highlighted in recent reports issued by the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS OIG) and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

"It is said that a society is measured by how well it treats its most vulnerable citizens. The testimony and stories I have heard over the past several months regarding the widespread neglect and abuse of the elderly and disabled are shocking, heart-wrenching and frankly completely unacceptable. The federal government has to take seriously its oversight responsibility and hold those who are failing to protect our seniors accountable for their crimes and bureaucratic mismanagement. Today we are calling on CMS to engage in this vital role in a more proactive manner, and I am eager to work with them to do whatever it takes to make sure every senior is safe," said Congressman Bilirakis.

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