NEWARK, N.J. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division have filed a complaint against the state of New Jersey and a proposed consent decree to address unconstitutional conditions at two state-run veterans homes. The agreement follows an investigation into the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus, which uncovered inadequate care and infection control practices that placed residents at unreasonable risk of harm.
The proposed consent decree, which still requires court approval, is intended to resolve claims that the state failed to protect residents’ safety and provide them with appropriate care.
Under the terms of the decree, New Jersey must meet specific standards of clinical care, revamp its infection control and emergency procedures, and enhance leadership and accountability. An independent monitor will be appointed to oversee compliance with the agreement.
“Our veterans, who have sacrificed so much, should never have been subject to deficient care,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. “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.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division echoed this sentiment, saying, “Our veterans deserve to receive appropriate care, as required by law, and their families deserve to have confidence that their loved ones’ needs will be met.”
The investigation, initiated in October 2020 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), found that residents of the veterans homes were exposed to harm due to inadequate infection control and substandard medical care. In September 2023, the Justice Department notified New Jersey of its findings, identifying necessary remedial measures to address the conditions in violation of the 14th Amendment.
The case is ongoing, and additional details about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey can be found on their respective websites.
