(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) [UPDATE: It was brought to our attention that a bill was filed earlier this year by state Rep. Carolyn Dykema of Holliston that would require that physicians, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare … [Read more...]
State Public Records ruling on release of hospital report is a win for the public
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) In what we see as a win for the public's right to know, the state's Supervisor of Public Records has concluded that the Department of Public Health went too far in redacting virtually an entire report … [Read more...]
DDS still hasn’t applied for available funding for critical background check program
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) The Department of Developmental Services is on the hook to create a national background check program that will cost the Department more than $500,000 in the current fiscal year alone and will involve … [Read more...]
Redacted state report appears to clear hospital that failed to treat developmentally disabled man
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) An investigative report by the Department of Public Health appears to have concluded that Lowell General Hospital was not at fault in the case of a developmentally disabled man who died after having … [Read more...]
Federal government reviewing group home data in MA and two other states
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) The Inspector General in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has spent the past two years conducting a review of data on abuse and neglect in privatized group homes in three states, … [Read more...]
The federal government’s cruel pursuit of deinstitutionalization
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) When is the federal government -- particularly the Department of Justice -- going to recognize or admit that deinstitutionalization of the developmentally disabled hasn't worked as planned? The DOJ … [Read more...]
Abuse investigation agency faces ‘shameful’ shortfall in funding
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) A COFAR Special Report Due to a chronic lack of funding and a maze of legal constraints, the state’s only independent agency charged with investigating abuse and neglect of disabled individuals is … [Read more...]
Public Health Department needs to release report on death of developmentally disabled man
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) The Department of Public Health has completed an investigation of the case of a developmentally disabled man who died enroute to Lowell General Hospital in February 2012 after having been turned away … [Read more...]
DDS should not be investigating itself for abuse and neglect in the Perry case, or in any other cases
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) As Fox 25 news reported earlier this month, the Department of Developmental Services has determined there was not sufficient evidence to charge staff at the Templeton Developmental Center with … [Read more...]
Why we won’t be at the bill signing at Fenway Park
(Cross-posted from The COFAR Blog) Tomorrow, Governor Patrick will be at Fenway Park for the ceremonial signing of three pieces of legislation that are intended to make major changes in the care and services for the developmentally … [Read more...]