Pa. releases error-ridden nursing home list

Nursing homes remain a focal point of criticism of the state's response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed nearly 5,000 lives.

Last week, state Health Secretary Rachel Levine announced a "universal plan" for testing of staff and residents of nursing homes. But an examination by Spotlight PA found the plan falls short of sweeping claims made by Levine and Gov. Tom Wolf, and advocates say more enforcement is needed.

Facing mounting pressure from lawmakers and advocates, state officials this week released a long-awaited list of nursing homes with coronavirus cases or deaths. But as The Inquirer has reported, the data was full of errors. An association that represents facilities told The Times-Tribune in Scranton it may file court action to force the state to take the list down if fixes aren't made.

A review by Spotlight PA shows the state is quietly making changes to the list. We'll have more on the situation soon. 

Finally, a union representing nearly 9,000 nurses across the state says hospitals are misleading the state about the availability of protective equipment. And many more good reads below, so scroll ahead.

— Sarah Anne Hughes, Spotlight PA