Investigator's Handbook,
Nursing
Home Abuse and Neglect Investigations
by Douglas O. Crewse. CFE
Reviewed
by Grace Elting Castle, CLI® Former Editor, PI Magazine
There has been a litigation explosion concerning the
abuse of nursing home residents. Most investigators are
acutely aware of the problem, and of the resultant new
case potential. Many have entered the field after a loved
one has been injured or killed in one of these institutions.
Now one of the nation’s pre-eminent investigators has written a primer
on nursing home abuse investigations. This book, written by Douglas Crewse,
covers everything from the types of abuse that are occurring; to the significant
medical terminology we should recognize and understand. He outlines in great
detail the recommended methods of conducting the investigation and includes
charts, checklists and additional source information. He’s even included
an explanation of where and how to find the relevant court records, using Texas
information in his examples.
This seventy-three page, spiral bound paperback book will fit easily into your
briefcase for constant reference as you learn the basics of these investigations.
The strengths of this book are the obvious expertise of the author, the completeness
of the instructions, and the “Medical Records Log” that provides
a method of tracking receipt of these important documents. The weakness include
some unfortunate typos that are distracting to editors and language purists,
and a suggested interview question list that is designed for “Yes” or “No” answers,
but includes far too many questions that cannot be answered that simply. Despite
those drawbacks, the author gets his point across in a professional manner
with a book that is both valuable and usable.
