Closing of Golden Living Nursing Home brings reform to special focus facilities

By Megan Miller, Editor

The Golden Living Nursing Home in Trussville has been under “special focus” status for years, according to Representative Danny Garret.

Representative Dany Garrett

This means that a facility has a history of poor performance, and is under an extensive audit process and is in danger of losing Medicaid reimbursement.

In December, when it first came to light that Golden Living would be closing its doors, several deficiencies included a sexual assault, and staff putting residents at risk for injury by not using mechanical lift equipment correctly, according to an official report.

At the beginning of the legislative session, Garret contacted the Alabama Nursing Home Association and the State Department of Health to discuss how to “provide more transparency and disclosure to the family of patients, potential patients and the general public when a facility is classified as a Special Focus Facility.”

Tuesday the Department of Health adopted a new policy which will become effective June 3.

In the future, a Special Focus facility must post a notice on the front door of the facility stating the facility has a history of poor performance and failed audits, along with a contact name for more information. The sign must have large, bold print.

“I appreciate the cooperation of the Nursing Home Association and the State Department of Public Health in addressing this concern,” said Garret. “This information will help families of loved ones who have need of a nursing home make protect their family member.”