Wicomico County Council Introduces Emergency Legislation Surrounding Nursing Home

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — The Wicomico County Council introduced emergency legislation Tuesday that, if passed, would establish regulations and operational oversight at the Wicomico Nursing Home.

Community members and former Wicomico Nursing Home employees raised concerns about conditions at the facility during the council’s previous meeting. Tuesday evening, council members considered emergency legislation that could give the county a greater role in overseeing the nursing home.

Council member Jeff Merritt said the concerns raised go beyond typical workplace disagreements.

“I’ve been in the business world more than a minute, and I know the difference between a disgruntled employee who’s mad at their boss or resistant to change and when you have a situation. And to this point, we have a situation that needs to be dealt with sooner than later,” Merritt said.

Attorney Andrew Illuminati, however, said the majority of nursing home employees left voluntarily and advised against passing the emergency legislation.

“There were a number of concerns about training activities. That’s why the current director took the actions she took. So it has not been and should not be framed as a categorical firing, which results in the need for exclusive oversight. The majority of the individuals resigned on their own terms,” Illuminati said.

Council member David Ennis said the nursing home needs stronger governance and new oversight.

“I think that this does pass the test for emergency legislation, and I do respect and understand the points made. I think it does mention health, safety, welfare and suddenly and unexpectedly, that may be arguable,” Ennis said.

The county council will need to hold a second reading on the legislation. If approved under the emergency process, the bill could take effect immediately after the public hearing.

Wicomico County Council President John T. Cannon said moving quickly is important to establish the necessary guidelines for the nursing home.

“There’s even greater importance in trying to make sure we get this through as quickly as possible and establish the parameters that are necessary to try to right the ship,” Cannon said.