Anyone can fall victim to a broken system. Our family was no exception to that. This petition is born out of compassion for the countless stories like ours. My lively and strong-willed grandmother suddenly fell ill & was hospitalized at the beginning of February, but soon found herself on the road to recovery and healing. Upon her initial discharge from the hospital, she was headed toward restored wellness. Then she fell into the hands of a Chandler, Arizona care facility, where she was placed to recuperate. Once that center- which was tasked with helping her continue to rehabilitate- got ahold of her, things suddenly changed. Her health substantially worsened due to incompetence, misconduct, and neglect. Her condition resulting from her time in said facility warranted a readmittance to the hospital. This time, she would not survive. Devastation followed for my family as we'd lost our otherwise resilient and tenacious matriarch.

This is a story to which many can relate; families trust these facilities to do right by those they hold dear, only to discover that questionable ethics and poor training are far too prevalent. Upon hearing of our misfortune, many came forward sharing our pain.

Rehabilitation centers are supposed to be pivotal to the recovery and overall quality of life of the people under their care. Inadequate staffing and poor hiring practices are the tip of the iceberg, but the issue goes much deeper. Numerous reports of unethical treatment and lack of job competence raise serious concerns about the standard of care provided. It's high time we ensure these facilities adhere to a higher standard.

To ensure these centers are providing the best care, we call on all related regulatory bodies and the government to enforce stricter regulations. We call upon accrediting agencies, councils for rehabilitation education, related commissions and governing bodies, as well as the state of Arizona to take action. This includes but is not limited to: The Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities, Council of Rehabilitation Education, and the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

These regulations must include:

•Appropriate staffing levels

•Diligent qualification screenings & background checks for hirees

•High quality & scrupulous training for staff

•Regular and thorough facility inspections and employee evaluations

•More stringent penalties for violations

What we're seeing presently instead is the supposed aspiration without the execution of these standards. Ultimately, it is an absence of accountability.

People deserve better than to be robbed of their humanity by being treated like a number. Let us stand together for those like my grandmother- who suffered needlessly- and countless others. I urge you to unite and sign this petition to push for the overhaul of practices in rehabilitation centers and care facilities. Let's create the change we wish to see.