Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
Featured Stories
S.D. State House Local Government Committee Passes A.G. Jackley's Government Transparency Bills
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 4 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
* * *
State House Local Government Committee Passes Attorney General Jackley's Government Transparency Bills
All three of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's government transparency bills were unanimously approved Tuesday by the State House Local Government Committee.
"These bills make state government more accountable to the taxpayers, and transparency is good for everyone," said Attorney General Jackley. "This also strengthens the faith that the public has in its state
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 4 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
* * *
State House Local Government Committee Passes Attorney General Jackley's Government Transparency Bills
All three of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's government transparency bills were unanimously approved Tuesday by the State House Local Government Committee.
"These bills make state government more accountable to the taxpayers, and transparency is good for everyone," said Attorney General Jackley. "This also strengthens the faith that the public has in its stategovernment."
The bills are:
Senate Bill 46: Modify the requirements for open meeting agendas and provide a penalty therefor.
Senate Bill 47: Revise the requirements for executive sessions and closed meetings.
Senate Bill 48: Clarify that an official open meeting agenda must be posted online at least seventy-two hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.
Committee members placed all three bills on the consent calendar, and the bills now go to the full House for consideration. Since they have already passed the Senate, if approved by the House, the bills will go to Gov. Larry Rhoden for his signature.
* * *
Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3003
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Operation Blunt Force Dismantles Criminal Enterprise
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 4 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Drummond: Operation Blunt Force dismantles criminal enterprise
Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today that his Organized Crime Task Force, working alongside 27 law enforcement partners nationwide, arrested 20 individuals linked to a sophisticated criminal enterprise. The Hao Chen Organization was responsible for approximately one million pounds of marijuana worth $1.5 billion in street value.
The investigation, called Operation Blunt Force, targeted
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 4 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Drummond: Operation Blunt Force dismantles criminal enterprise
Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today that his Organized Crime Task Force, working alongside 27 law enforcement partners nationwide, arrested 20 individuals linked to a sophisticated criminal enterprise. The Hao Chen Organization was responsible for approximately one million pounds of marijuana worth $1.5 billion in street value.
The investigation, called Operation Blunt Force, targetedan organization led by Hao Tong Chen that ran fraudulent medical marijuana licensing schemes in Oklahoma from approximately 2021 to 2025. Law enforcement executed more than 50 search warrants and recovered 12 firearms during the course of the investigation. Four people were also deported.
The arrests follow a multi-county grand jury indictment from November, charging 19 defendants with 18 felony counts, including racketeering, conspiracy to defraud the state, document fraud, aggravated manufacturing of marijuana and unlawful proceeds.
According to the indictment, Chen orchestrated a fraudulent "straw owner" scheme that unlawfully obtained Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) licenses and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN) registrations for marijuana growing facilities in violation of Oklahoma's residency requirement. The organization recruited Oklahoma residents as straw owners, paid them to use their identities on fake applications, then illegally manufactured marijuana and diverted it to the black market. The investigation revealed Chen had bank accounts with large cash deposits and regular wire transfers from New York, which were used to pay straw owners and other associates of the conspiracy.
"This operation demonstrates my office's unwavering commitment to protecting the safety of Oklahomans and dismantling sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our state's medical marijuana system," said Drummond. "These defendants allegedly orchestrated a multi-state criminal enterprise that undermined the integrity of our licensing process and violated the trust of Oklahomans. When criminal organizations divert marijuana to the black market, they put our communities at risk and fund further illegal activity. I am grateful to the 27 agencies across the country that worked together to bring these individuals to justice and make Oklahoma safer."
The investigation revealed that individuals involved in the criminal activity were located in Oklahoma, New York, Texas, Nevada, California, Colorado, Illinois and Washington. Financial transactions connected to the operation flowed to and from Oklahoma from New York, Nevada, Texas, California, New Mexico, Missouri, Georgia, Illinois, Washington, Oregon and China.
"I am proud of the dedicated work of our Organized Crime Task Force and the remarkable collaboration it made possible," Drummond said. "This task force was built to take on exactly these kinds of sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprises, and Operation Blunt Force is a testament to what our team can accomplish when we work together with partners across the country. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect Oklahoma from those who seek to exploit our state for personal gain."
The investigation and arrests were made possible through the cooperation of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across four time zones.
"Over the past few weeks, the DEA New York's Trident Group conducted an operation with the Oklahoma Attorney General's office and our law enforcement partners, which targeted and dismantled a large-scale illicit marijuana grow trafficking operation which is tied to an international money-laundering network. These criminal organizations were not only flooding our communities with illicit drugs, but also using financial schemes to hide and move their illegal profits" stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. "The DEA and our law enforcement partners in New York and across the country remain committed in targeting those drug trafficking organizations and individuals who attempt to gain the system, from cultivation to cash flow."
Queens District Attorney's Office in New York also assisted with the operation.
"Unlicensed and unregulated marijuana products pose a serious threat to the communities where they are illegally sold," said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. "My office was proud to assist the office of Attorney General Gentner Drummond and its law enforcement partners in dismantling an illegal marijuana trafficking operation in Oklahoma, with the alleged ringleader based in Queens County. We will continue to pursue our own investigations while working alongside agencies nationwide to ensure the public is protected from illicit product."
Other agencies involved include Blaine County Sheriff's Office, Caddo County Sheriff's Office, Canadian County Sheriff's Office, DEA - Houston Division, DEA - Oklahoma City, DEA - Reno (NV), District 5 District Attorney, District 23 District Attorney, District 23 District Attorney Drug Task Force, Edmond Police Department, FBI Oklahoma City, Fort Bend County (TX) Sheriff's Office, ICE, Kingfisher County Sheriff's Office, Lawton Police Department, Midwest City Police Department, New York Police Department, OBN, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, Oklahoma National Guard 63rd Civil Support Team, Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, Shawnee Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff's Office and Washoe County (NV) Sheriff's Office.
Read the Indictment (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/february/CF-2025-5462%20Indictment_Redacted.pdf)
Watch the News Conference (https://youtu.be/DPkbly7MwdI?si=sYHYywnB4Z_Gcobv)
* * *
Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/february/drummond-operation-blunt-force-dismantles-criminal-enterprise.html
N.J. Acting A.G. Davenport: Former Executive of Manufacturing Company Charged With Allegedly Stealing $1 Million From the Company to Start a Competing Business
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 4 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Former Executive of Manufacturing Company Charged with Allegedly Stealing $1 Million from the Company to Start a Competing Business
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced charges against the former vice president of a Monmouth County-based industrial manufacturing company in connection with his alleged theft of over $1 million.
Jeffrey Lawrence, 34, of Far Hills, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with two counts of theft by unlawful
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 4 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Former Executive of Manufacturing Company Charged with Allegedly Stealing $1 Million from the Company to Start a Competing Business
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced charges against the former vice president of a Monmouth County-based industrial manufacturing company in connection with his alleged theft of over $1 million.
Jeffrey Lawrence, 34, of Far Hills, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with two counts of theft by unlawfultaking (second degree) and two counts of misconduct by a corporate official (second degree).
"The defendant's alleged financial scheme undermines trust in high-level corporate executives and the integrity of business dealings," said Acting Attorney General Davenport. "These crimes erode the ability of businesses to operate on a level playing field and can lead to increased costs, which can affect us all."
"We allege this individual misappropriated over $1 million from the company that employed him as a vice president, among other high-level roles," said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton. "No title or position is above the law. When that is alleged to have been abused, we will pursue accountability."
"The defendant misused a position of trust to allegedly commit financial crimes," said Legal Chief Pablo Quinones of the Office of Securities Fraud and Financial Crimes Prosecutions (OSFFCP). "This office remains steadfast in its commitment to investigate and prosecute these types of sophisticated, financial crimes."
As alleged in the complaint, Lawrence embezzled over $1 million from the manufacturing company where he served as vice president, treasurer, and corporate secretary. Lawrence opened alternate and unauthorized bank accounts for the company, and, through a series of transactions in January and March 2022, stole approximately $1 million, transferring the funds to a second company under his control to start a competing business. To conceal the thefts, Lawrence allegedly fabricated various corporate records at both companies, including purchase orders and invoices, to falsely justify the payment of funds between the two companies, which had not actually conducted legitimate business.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by detectives and investigators within the Division of Criminal Justice assigned to the OSFFCP, including Detective Stephen Kircher and Special Investigators Sean McCarthy and Stephen Minikel, with the assistance of federal agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant Attorney General A. Brendan Stewart, Deputy Legal Chief of the OSFFCP, is handling the prosecution, under the direction of Legal Chief Quinones.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact the DCJ's tip line at (800) 277-2427 or the OSFFCP's complaint email at OSFFCP@njdcj.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/former-executive-of-manufacturing-company-charged-with-allegedly-stealing-1-million-from-the-company-to-start-a-competing-business/
Mo. A.G. Hanaway Obtains Medicaid Fraud Conviction Against Couple Lying About Marital Status To Steal Funds
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Feb. 4 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Hanaway Obtains Medicaid Fraud Conviction Against Couple Lying About Marital Status To Steal Funds
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) obtained a Medicaid Fraud conviction against Tarron Boone, a Medicaid recipient, who along with Yvonne Davis-Boone, his wife and personal care attendant (PCA), knowingly and intentionally misrepresented and concealed their marital relationship
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Feb. 4 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Hanaway Obtains Medicaid Fraud Conviction Against Couple Lying About Marital Status To Steal Funds
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) obtained a Medicaid Fraud conviction against Tarron Boone, a Medicaid recipient, who along with Yvonne Davis-Boone, his wife and personal care attendant (PCA), knowingly and intentionally misrepresented and concealed their marital relationshipin order to become enrolled in and get paid through the Missouri Medicaid Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program.
"Circumventing the rule of law to fill your own pockets with taxpayer dollars will never fly in Missouri," said Attorney General Hanaway. "If this couple had followed the proper process, assistance would have been available without deception. We will hold accountable anyone scheming to illegally use Missouri Medicaid funds."
Missouri Medicaid's CDS Personal Care Assistance program allows eligible Medicaid recipients to hire a PCA to provide services for them in their home as an alternative to nursing facility placement. Tarron and Yvonne orchestrated a scheme to conceal and misrepresent their marital status and actual living situation to both MO HealthNet and Above & Beyond Health, LLC to defraud the CDS program.
A PCA cannot be paid CDS funds for providing care to his/her spouse, but had Tarron and Yvonne truthfully disclosed their marital status, Tarron would have remained eligible to receive separate in-home personal care services through the In-Home Services (IHS) program. Despite all the applications and forms that Tarron and Yvonne filled out that specifically state a spouse cannot provide CDS care to his/her spouse, the investigation found five instances where they misrepresented their marital relationship using titles such as "sister-in-law," "cousin," "cousin-in-law," "close friend," and "girlfriend."
In total, through this scheme, Tarron and Yvonne collaborated to steal nearly $38,000 from Missouri Medicaid. Tarron pled guilty to one count of Healthcare Fraud in violation of 191.905.1 (Class D felony) and sentenced to be held joint and severally liable with Yvonne Davis-Boone for restitution of $37,789.33, and a civil penalty of $5,000.00, for a total of $42,789.34. Yvonne pled guilty to the same scheme on July 28, 2025.
The case was referred by the Department of Social Services, Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance (MMAC). The case was prosecuted by MFCU Chief Counsel and Assistant Attorney General Arvids Petersons and the investigation was conducted by Investigator Jacqueline Morrow-Kloeppel.
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Chief Counsel Arvids V. Petersons said, "We remain committed to Missourians and to help ensure stolen Medicaid dollars are recovered. Holding these fraudsters accountable is about restoring the integrity of the entire system."
* * *
About the Missouri Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit:
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit's mission is twofold: first, to investigate and prosecute fraud committed by Medicaid providers who unlawfully divert taxpayer dollars, and second, to hold accountable those who commit abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation in Medicaid-funded facilities. This Unit demonstrates the Attorney General's commitment to protecting vulnerable Missourians and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. The Office is proud to be home to some of the state's most skilled prosecutors and investigators. Attorneys interested in joining this tradition of excellence and public service are encouraged to explore current opportunities at https://ago.mo.gov/about-us/job-opportunities/.
The Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $3,551,892.00 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $1,183,960.00 for FY 2026, is funded by Missouri.
* * *
Original text here: https://ago.mo.gov/attorney-general-hanaway-obtains-medicaid-fraud-conviction-against-couple-lying-about-marital-status-to-steal-funds/
Del. A.G. Jennings Secures $17.85 Million Settlement With Lannett and Bausch Over Conspiracies to Inflate Prices
DOVER, Delaware, Feb. 4 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
AG Jennings secures $17.85 million settlement with Lannett and Bausch over conspiracies to inflate prices
Attorney General Kathy Jennings today joined a coalition of 48 states and territories announcing two settlements with Lannett Company, Inc. ("Lannett") and Bausch Health US, LLC and Bausch Health Americas, Inc. ("Bausch"), totaling $17.85 million to resolve allegations that both companies engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate and
... Show Full Article
DOVER, Delaware, Feb. 4 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
AG Jennings secures $17.85 million settlement with Lannett and Bausch over conspiracies to inflate prices
Attorney General Kathy Jennings today joined a coalition of 48 states and territories announcing two settlements with Lannett Company, Inc. ("Lannett") and Bausch Health US, LLC and Bausch Health Americas, Inc. ("Bausch"), totaling $17.85 million to resolve allegations that both companies engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate andmanipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs. As part of their settlement agreements, both companies have agreed to cooperate in the ongoing multistate litigations against 30 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. Both companies have further agreed to a series of internal reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws.
The Lannett and Bausch settlements follow prior settlements with Apotex and Heritage which totaled $49.1 million.
If you purchased a generic prescription drug between May 2009 and December 2019, you may be eligible for compensation. To determine your eligibility, call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email info@AGGenericDrugs.com or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com.
"For years, these companies used their power and position to rig the playing field against Americans who needed medicine," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "This settlement means that those affected can be compensated."
States and territories settling today with Lannett and Bausch also include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico.
* * *
Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/02/03/ag-jennings-secures-17-85-million-settlement-with-lannett-and-bausch-over-conspiracies-to-inflate-prices/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Continues Lawsuit Against Fondomonte for Violating Public Nuisance Law Through Excessive Groundwater Pumping
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Continues Lawsuit Against Fondomonte for Violating Public Nuisance Law Through Excessive Groundwater Pumping
Today, Attorney General Kris Mayes announced her office has filed a supplemental brief in Arizona's lawsuit against Fondomonte Arizona, LLC, arguing the public nuisance lawsuit against the megafarm for excessive groundwater pumping complements the Arizona Department of Water Resources' ("ADWR") Active Management Area ("AMA") proceedings.
"We're
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Continues Lawsuit Against Fondomonte for Violating Public Nuisance Law Through Excessive Groundwater Pumping
Today, Attorney General Kris Mayes announced her office has filed a supplemental brief in Arizona's lawsuit against Fondomonte Arizona, LLC, arguing the public nuisance lawsuit against the megafarm for excessive groundwater pumping complements the Arizona Department of Water Resources' ("ADWR") Active Management Area ("AMA") proceedings.
"We'renot backing down. I was born and raised in rural Arizona and I know how important our groundwater is. And I don't believe it should be sucked out from under the people of La Paz County to be sent to Saudi Arabia as alfalfa," said Attorney General Mayes. "The Ranegras AMA is great step forward--but nuisance law still allows us to hold those causing a nuisance accountable sooner and conserve our groundwater earlier."
Attorney General Mayes sued Fondomonte in December of 2024, alleging that the company's excessive groundwater pumping in La Paz County violated Arizona's public nuisance law by threatening the public health, safety, and infrastructure of communities in the Ranegras Plain Basin in La Paz County. On January 9th , 2026, the Director of the Department of Water Resources issued a Findings, Decision and Order to designate the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin as a subsequent AMA (Designation Order), pursuant to A.R.S. Sec. 45-414.
In the new filing, the Attorney General explains the Ranegras Plain Basin AMA is a welcome step forward but cannot provide relief against a specific, alleged wrongdoer. She emphasizes that only a court, not an AMA, can provide the injunctive relief and abatement fund needed to address Fondomonte's alleged harms to the surrounding community. The brief argues that while the AMA imposes generalized basinwide water conservation programs that will, over time, slow the rate of groundwater depletion, only the Attorney General's public nuisance lawsuit can address the alleged harms caused by a single defendant against an entire community.
"Public nuisance and active management areas are complementary," said Attorney General Mayes. "Take the Riverview settlement as one example. We were able to get a major water user to the table related to a public nuisance investigation to save a significant amount of groundwater before the Douglas and Willcox AMAs go into effect."
As described in the filing, ADWR's AMA designation also confirms many of the factual allegations in the Attorney General's complaint. Groundwater levels in the Ranegras Plain Basin have significantly declined, and are declining at an accelerating rate. There has been more than 40 centimeters of land subsidence observed in the basin in the last 15 years. Left unaddressed, the aquifer's water storage capacity will be irreparably damaged.
Additionally, the brief describes how the Attorney General's public nuisance action will play a vital role in ADWR's AMA process. ADWR awards grandfathered rights to pump groundwater in an AMA only to people legally using groundwater at the time the AMA was declared. However, if Fondomonte is found to have been unlawfully pumping groundwater by causing a public nuisance, then they may be ineligible for grandfathered rights.
A copy of the supplemental brief is here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=9490d4d475&e=9153ff6c96).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-continues-lawsuit-against-fondomonte-violating-public-nuisance
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Blasts Federal Government for Endangering Seniors
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Blasts Federal Government for Endangering Seniors
Today, Attorney General Kris Mayes announced she has joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a comment letter challenging the federal government's Interim Final Rule, intended to eliminate minimum staffing standards and other comprehensive regulations for long-term health care facilities.
Originally established by the Nursing Home Reform initiative, new and improved standards were federally
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Blasts Federal Government for Endangering Seniors
Today, Attorney General Kris Mayes announced she has joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a comment letter challenging the federal government's Interim Final Rule, intended to eliminate minimum staffing standards and other comprehensive regulations for long-term health care facilities.
Originally established by the Nursing Home Reform initiative, new and improved standards were federallydeveloped and designed to create national requirements for a minimum number of nursing hours in skilled nursing facilities, including minimum staffing requirements for medical professionals like registered nurses. In the comment letter, the coalition foregrounds that with the reforms having been overturned by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, regulations still must exist to improve quality of care and patient health outcomes for residents in skilled nursing facilities across the United States.
"By overturning this minimum staffing standards rule, the Trump administration is endangering seniors in long-term care facilities and allowing more injuries, illnesses, medical emergencies, and death from neglect to occur," said Attorney General Mayes. "Shocking New York Times reporting just connected political donations from powerful corporate nursing homes to a PAC associated with Trump, and his administration's decision to overturn this rule and make it easier to neglect patients. It's disgusting. We have to stand up for our seniors. We have a responsibility to protect them."
The Nursing Home Reform initiative was instituted by the Biden-Harris administration in May of 2024 at the suggestion of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the Department of Health and Human Services. The initiative created a minimum staffing standard for nursing hours per resident day, required every facility to have registered nurses to provide care on site 24/7, and a minimum staffing standard for hours worked by certified nurse assistants. Studies and statistics show that increased numbers of staff and the quality of staff associated with the reform manifest in improvement to the quality of care, increased attentiveness, mitigation of negative outcomes, and savings of up to $465 million dollars in Medicare by reducing medical emergencies and hospitalizations.
In the comment letter, the multistate coalition asserts that:
* Data proves that increased staffing of nurses, as well as mandatory requirements for the presence of RNs on site, is associated with positive health outcomes for facility residents.
* Because some states, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, have already established staffing requirements, eliminating regulations at the national level widens the interstate gap in quality of care.
* The proposed Interim Final Rule needs to adopt replacement staffing standards to prevent long-term care establishments from cutting costs and corners at the expense of their patients already vulnerable to abuse and abandonment.
* All regulations proposed by the CMS should not preempt existing or future state standards that seek to provide higher protections to residents.
In filing the comment letter, Attorney General Mayes was joined by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
A copy of the letter is here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=e9b04abe2c&e=9153ff6c96)
* * *
INFODOC: https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=e9b04abe2c&e=9153ff6c96
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-blasts-federal-government-endangering-seniors
