Clearinghouse coding complete
On November 1, 1996, officials at the U.S. Department of Justice recommended an investigation into the conditions of resident care and treatment at the Bergen Pines County Hospital's nursing home in Paramus, New Jersey.
The investigation was conducted pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997, following information that the residents' constitutional rights had been violated. Specifically, sources indicated that the facility failed to provide adequate medical and nursing care, nutrition, and sanitary conditions. It also exposed residents to harm and subjected them to excessive physical restraints. In addition, the facility may have failed to provide service to residents in the most integrated setting, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 12101, the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Department of Justice's recommendation was based on state investigators' reports showing the hospital's failure to monitor and treat dietary problems; bedsores; fractures and lesions; and to develop suitable care plans.
One December 20, 1996, the Department wrote to the hospital to inform them of the planned investigation.
We have only these letters in our files, so we do not have any further information on this case.
Summary Authors
Laura Uberti (6/20/2006)
Frohboese, Robinsue (District of Columbia)
Patrick, Deval L. (District of Columbia)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 3:28 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: New Jersey
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Case Ongoing: No reason to think so
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Bergen Pines County Hospital (Paramus), County
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.
Special Case Type(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Unknown
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General:
Food service / nutrition / hydration
Reassessment and care planning
Sanitation / living conditions
Disability and Disability Rights:
Medical/Mental Health:
Type of Facility: