Feds, State File Consent Decree To Address Inadequate Care At Edison Veterans Home

EDISON, NJ — The U.S. Justice Department filed a civil suit against New Jersey on Wednesday over the dismal conditions at the state’s veterans home in Edison and Paramus.

The same day, state officials entered into a consent decree calling for a third party to monitor the conditions at the veterans homes.

Hundreds of veterans died during the COVID-19 pandemic in these two veterans homes.

The proposed consent decree, which must still be approved by the court.

The justice department claimed that New Jersey violates the Constitution by failing to keep residents of its Veterans Homes safe from harm and an unreasonable risk of harm.

The proposed consent decree requires the state to meet specific standards of clinical care, to overhaul its infection control and emergency operations practices and to implement measures for improved leadership and accountability.

It also asks the court to appoint an independent monitor who will oversee and assess the state’s compliance with these terms.

“Our veterans, who have sacrificed so much, should never have been subject to deficient care. This consent decree provides a detailed roadmap and expert oversight to ensure they are protected, so that they and their families can rely on the veterans homes,” U.S. attorney Phillip Sellinger said.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division initiated the investigation into the Veterans Homes in October 2020 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). CRIPA authorizes the department to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of federal rights of individuals in the custody of state or local governments.

In September 2023, the department notified the state that it found reasonable cause to believe the residents of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus face unreasonable harm and risk of harm due to inadequate infection control practices and inadequate medical care.

The department also identified the remedial measures necessary to address those unlawful conditions.

The department concluded that the state failed to provide the veterans with conditions of reasonable care and safety, in violation of the 14th Amendment.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he welcomed the additional input and oversight.

“We’re committed to making sure our veterans have the best possible care and quality of life at all three of our Veterans Homes,” Murphy said.

“With this consent decree, we can resolve past differences with the Department of Justice and focus our efforts on providing the best possible care to our Veterans Homes residents. I’m proud of the progress we have made and remain determined to not only meet federal standards but to exceed them.”

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