Bush Administration's Secret Rule Hurts Nursing Home Abuse Victims

The Bush Administration put a rule in place that designates state nursing home inspectors and Medicare and Medicaid contractors as "federal employees" according to an article in The Washington Post.  The public was not informed of this change and was not given any opportunity to comment or protest this change.  You may ask:  What's the big deal about that?  Here is the big deal:  this designation means that state nursing home inspectors do not have to provide evidence relating to nursing home inspections in civil litigation.  The information in those inspections can be crucial in holding nursing homes accountable for negligent or abusive injuries to patients.  The effect is already being felt in civil cases across the country.  Routine requests for information in negligence and abuse cases are now tied up in bureaucratic red tape, to the detriment of the victims.  I see victims of nursing home abuse and neglect every day in my law practice.  The information from state inspectors is vital to investigations of these claims and should be a matter of public record.  There is no justification for keeping it secret. 

Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability Benefits

I have represented many clients with fibromyalgia in Social Security disability cases.  The first question they usually ask me is whether someone can "get benefits for fibromyalgia".  The answer is YES, but getting Social Security  disability benefits does not depend on your diagnosis.  Evidence of the diagnosis is just the first step.  The key to getting disabiltiy benefits is submitting evidence of the limitations that you have because of the fibromyalgia.  For example, fibromyalgia can cause debilitating pain that prevents you from being able to walk long distances, sit for an extended period or take care of your house.  Medical evidence documenting the frequency and severity of your pain will support the claim for benefits.  Therefore it is very important that you thoroughly describe your symptoms and the effect on your day-to-day activities to your doctor.  For more information about Social Security disability claims visit my website at www.SharonChristieLaw.com.