The cloudy deficiency histories of troubled Alabama nursing homes just became much clearer.

The Alabama State Department of Public Health passed a new rule last month that mandates select nursing homes post a notice on their front door informing residents and families of deficiency history.

The rule applies only to nursing homes on a “Special Focus” list, which have had long histories of poor inspection results.

The rule was initiated nearly six months after the unexpected closure of a troubled Alabama nursing home that was closed down after four years of accumulated deficiency reports and quality issues. Many residents and families were unaware of the nursing home’s lackluster track record.

More from WTVM:

Representative Danny Garrett (R-District 44) wanted increased transparency and notifications to residents and families. He worked with the Department to pass a new rule requiring that nursing homes on the “Special Focus Facility List” be required to post notice on its main entrance.

[…]

“This now means if a facility is in that situation, it will post it on the front door with the clear indication there’s a problem here,” Garrett explained. “Then current residents and people considering coming into the facility will be able to get more information.”

Dr. Walter Geary, director of the State Bureau of Health Standards, said this new rule will put pressure on “Special Focus Facility” nursing homes to improve.

“It’s certainly a useful program to put pressure to improve on nursing homes that need it,” Geary said.

“While Golden Living does not have any other special focus facilities in Alabama, we support this kind of notification as it may help residents and families be bettered informed about the care they receive, and that is always positive.”

You can view the list of nursing homes at this link.