Enforce care facility fines

Clark Kauffman's article ("Coralville nursing home cited for death"), reprinted in Sunday's Gazette, described the tragic consequences some of our most vulnerable citizens face due to persistent quality of care failures by certain post-acute care facilities. The article seems to confirm that, despite clear evidence and alleged state oversight, Lantern Park Coralville and its corporate owner, Care Initiatives, likely will not face any meaningful state-based consequences.

That same facility's failure to provide appropriate and timely nursing, personal hygiene, security and dietary attention led to avoidable complications and substandard care for my husband. With zealous personal advocacy and help from our managed care representative, we found an alternate facility and transferred him as soon as possible. While not perfect, that facility provided competent and caring service that improved his recovery and outcome.

To avoid additional suffering and loss of life, post-acute facilities must be held accountable and face enforced penalties for woefully deficient and indifferent services.

Louise Knapp

Coralville

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