Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) has introduced legislation that re-examines the way nursing homes are inspected.

“We commend Senator Feingold for not accepting the status quo and fighting for a system that will ensure America’s nursing home residents can receive the highest quality care possible,” AAHSA President and CEO Larry Minnix said in a statement.

Feingold’s measure, Improving the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes Act of 2010, calls for a federal investigation into the way nursing homes currently are inspected, the relationship between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and nursing homes, and how accurate inspections really are.

“It’s time for a fundamental review of how far the nursing home field has come, and where we must improve to ensure our seniors are receiving the highest quality of care,” Feingold said.