Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act

4/29/2024, 11:51 PM
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Bill 118 s 4087, also known as the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of mandatory arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts.

Currently, many nursing homes require residents and their families to sign arbitration agreements as a condition of admission. These agreements prevent residents from taking legal action in a court of law if they believe they have been mistreated or neglected by the nursing home.

The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act seeks to prohibit nursing homes from including mandatory arbitration clauses in their contracts. This would give residents and their families the option to pursue legal action through the court system if they feel their rights have been violated. Supporters of the bill argue that mandatory arbitration clauses can prevent residents from receiving fair compensation for harm or abuse suffered in nursing homes. They believe that allowing residents to have their day in court will lead to greater accountability and transparency in the nursing home industry. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that arbitration can be a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes. They believe that removing mandatory arbitration clauses could lead to an increase in frivolous lawsuits and drive up the cost of care for nursing home residents. Overall, the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act is a controversial piece of legislation that aims to protect the rights of nursing home residents while also considering the potential impact on the nursing home industry. It will be important to closely monitor the progress of this bill as it moves through the legislative process.
Congress
118

Number
S - 4087

Introduced on
2024-04-09

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

4/9/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Bill 118 s 4087, also known as the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of mandatory arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts.

Currently, many nursing homes require residents and their families to sign arbitration agreements as a condition of admission. These agreements prevent residents from taking legal action in a court of law if they believe they have been mistreated or neglected by the nursing home.

The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act seeks to prohibit nursing homes from including mandatory arbitration clauses in their contracts. This would give residents and their families the option to pursue legal action through the court system if they feel their rights have been violated. Supporters of the bill argue that mandatory arbitration clauses can prevent residents from receiving fair compensation for harm or abuse suffered in nursing homes. They believe that allowing residents to have their day in court will lead to greater accountability and transparency in the nursing home industry. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that arbitration can be a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes. They believe that removing mandatory arbitration clauses could lead to an increase in frivolous lawsuits and drive up the cost of care for nursing home residents. Overall, the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act is a controversial piece of legislation that aims to protect the rights of nursing home residents while also considering the potential impact on the nursing home industry. It will be important to closely monitor the progress of this bill as it moves through the legislative process.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities from using pre-dispute arbitration agreements with respect to residents of those facilities under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Health

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action4/9/2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.