HR 6126: The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act

Last month, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez introduced a bill that would eliminate mandatory arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts.  When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you have to sign a contract.  These contracts generally have a clause that states that if something happens to your loved one, you must go through binding arbitration with a neutral mediator, as opposed to bringing a claim in court.  Generally, these clauses give the nursing homes the right to choose the mediator.  It is argued that in most cases the nursing home will choose a mediator that will be sympathetic to their position so as to get repeat business.  The purpose of the bill is to motivate nursing homes to provide quality care.

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue.  Call your local U.S. Representative and ask them if they support this bill.