Case: CRIPA Investigation, Paramus (NJ)

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Case Summary

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 adequ…

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)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

Frohboese, Robinsue (District of Columbia)

Patrick, Deval L. (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

Memorandum re: Recommendation to Investigate Bergen Pines County Hospital, Paramus, New Jersey

CRIPA Investigation

Nov. 1, 1996

Nov. 1, 1996

Justification Memo

Notice Letter re: CRIPA Investigation of Bergen Pines County Hospital, Paramus, New Jersey

CRIPA Investigation

Dec. 20, 1996

Dec. 20, 1996

Notice Letter

Docket

Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 3:28 p.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: New Jersey

Case Type(s):

Nursing Home Conditions

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):

Out-of-court

Available Documents:

None of the above

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Unknown

Nature of Relief:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Unknown

Issues

General:

Assault/abuse by staff

Food service / nutrition / hydration

Reassessment and care planning

Restraints : physical

Sanitation / living conditions

Disability and Disability Rights:

Integrated setting

Least restrictive environment

Medical/Mental Health:

Bed care (including sores)

Medical care, general

Wound care

Type of Facility:

Government-run