“Sleeping On The Job”
Videos appear to show caregivers sleeping overnight as patients languished
TL;DR
- D.C.'s inspector general is investigating home health nurses and aides for allegedly sleeping on duty.
- The investigation follows a report featuring video evidence and a complaint from resident Damon Brooks.
- Brooks, who relies on in-home care, described years of unresponsive aides, leading to a fraud determination.
- The issue highlights broader staffing challenges in D.C.'s caregiving programs, with significant losses in licensed health aides and certified nursing assistants.
- A D.C. councilmember stated that better pay is essential for worker retention, estimating a need for over $89 million to raise wages.
- The Department of Health Care Finance has investigated and taken corrective actions, while the inspector general's inquiry is ongoing.