The Arbitration Battle Continues

Many long-term care providers require a new resident to sign an arbitration agreement at admission.

Providers feel this is necessary to cope with the medical malpractice atmosphere.

Many consumer groups and politicians feel this is an abuse, essentially barring the court house door for neglected and abused residents.

A federal bill introduced in Congress in 2008 was not passed, but has been reintroduced. Some state legislatures have gotten involved in the issue.

Provider representatives are lobbying heavily against the bill, for obvious reasons.