Code Blue

Massachusetts AG Maura Healey reached a settlement with nursing home operator Milton HC Operating, LLC (“Milton”) to resolve allegations of resident neglect and long-term care regulatory violations. Investigators found that Milton staff failed to adequately respond when a resident was found unresponsive with difficulty breathing. The staff failed to call a Code Blue on the intercom. This failure caused an undue delay calling emergency services.

The resident died. Tragic. Preventable.

Milton also failed to maintain emergency procedures and ensure that staff were competent and educated about emergency response protocols. For the next three years, Milton will also implement an internal compliance program to certify its compliance with regulations.

Milton will pay $90,000 to the Long-Term Care Facility Quality Improvement Fund used to improve the care provided in long-term care facilities. I hope the facility accepts responsibility and compensates the family of the neglected resident.