Virginia nursing home families say tougher sanctions aren't enough

• It's part of an effort to make enforcement more consistent statewide.

Driving the news: The Virginia Department of Health received 49 public comments by last week's deadline.

• Many commenters welcomed tougher oversight but argued the proposal still gives regulators too much discretion over whether facilities face consequences, per an Axios review.

Zoom in: Staffing problems emerged repeatedly, including in a comment from a Richmond-area paramedic who said nursing home workers are stretched too thin to adequately monitor residents.

• Families and health care workers also described delayed medications, bedsores, residents left in soiled bedding and shortages of basic supplies.

The other side: Some commenters warned that overly punitive sanctions could worsen staffing and financial pressures and urged VDH to consider facilities' efforts to fix problems.

What they're saying: VDH didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

What we're watching: Whether VDH revises the guidelines in response to the feedback.

Go deeper: Virginia sets clearer triggers for nursing home sanctions