Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Assemblyman Sean Ryan joined both Commissioners of Social Services and Senior Services to announce a new local law that will strengthen protections for county seniors in nursing homes.
Local leaders are looking to take a protective step by introducing "Ruthie's Law", named after Ruth Murray, who died after she was severely beaten at Emerald North.
The law would require nursing homes to disclose their NYS Department of Health ranking for potential clients. The law would also require nursing homes to notify resident' guardians within one-hour of a residents injury that requires hospitalization.
"You have to hold these facilities accountable," County Executive Poloncarz said.
"Our goal is to increase the fine and get as much information out to the public so the know where they are sending their loved ones."
The law is still in its early stages, but an order from the County Executive will create an online database on injuries or deaths at county nursing homes.
