Rep. Polletta Applauds State Order for Independent Review of Nursing Home Practices

HARTFORD – State Rep. Joe Polletta (R-68) on Thursday applauded a state order to establish a third-party review of the preparedness for and response to the COVID-19 outbreak inside Connecticut nursing homes.

The independent review was ordered by the state on Monday as more than 60-percent of the total COVID-19-related deaths in Connecticut have been among residents of nursing homes.

“No population in Connecticut has been more devastated by the COVID-19 outbreak than seniors,” said Rep. Polletta, who pointed out that nearly 8500 of Connecticut’s 21000 nursing home and long-term care facility residents – more than 40-percent – have contracted COVID-19 since February. “An independent review of nursing homes’ response to the pandemic will be able to assess the shortfalls in staffing, protective equipment provision, and emergency response training at Connecticut’s long-term care facilities that led to these disturbing figures.

“While the wounds of the many families who have lost a loved one to this horrible pandemic may never be mended, an inquiry into nursing homes can provide some clarity on the question of why seniors have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, which can inform policymaking and best practices going forward.”

Before the independent review was announced on Monday, Rep. Polletta articulated the need for an independent review in a letter after he was approached by a concerned Connecticut resident.

In the letter, Rep. Polletta explained how “the ratios of staffing and patients are oftentimes unfair, and nurses and caregivers are given little time to properly bathe and care for patients.” He also suggested that family members be actively involved in the investigation and offer input to the review panel.

“I’m glad that this review has been made a priority by the administration,” continued Rep. Polletta. “The issue of COVID-19 in nursing homes has been identified repeatedly since the outbreak started in February, so it’s important that our actions match the gravity of the crisis.

“I would also like to thank the staff and nurses at long-term care facilities that were put on the front-lines and often had no choice but to take COVID-19 patients. They truly are heroes to our community and deserve to be commended for their hard work.”

According a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday, the state will begin soliciting proposals for an outside expert to conduct the review over the next several days.

-30-