Federal Investigation into Nursing Home in Massachusetts Announced

The federal government has opened an investigation into the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to examine whether the facility violated the rights of residents by failing to provide them adequate medical care, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

The investigation, led by the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). This act gives the government the authority to investigate violations of the U.S. Constitution and federal law that result from a ‘pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights’ in state-run institutions, including nursing facilities.

The investigation will be separate from any state or independent investigation. Residents of Soldiers’ Home and families are encouraged to contact the department via phone at 1-888-221-6023 or by email at USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov.

Eric Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, said, ‘Our hearts go out to the families of the veterans who passed away. We owe it to the veterans, their families, and the public to investigate the facts, determine what happened, ensure compliance with the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, and protect those veterans who continue to reside at the Soldiers’ Home.’

U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling stated, ‘It would be difficult to overstate our obligation to the health and well-being of elderly and disabled military veterans and, by extension, to their families. The federal Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act specifically protects the rights of those confined in state facilities like the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.’

The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the Civil Rights Unit at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts are jointly conducting the investigation. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is available on their respective websites.

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