On February 14 2008, McKnight's news reported that, under a new bill that was set to be introduced in the U.S. Senate that day,Nursing home operators with severe care deficiencies could face civil money fines up to $100,000 - 10 times the current maximum. The bill would also address another critical issue with nursing homes, an issue that is particularly important in nursing home abuse and neglect cases: nursing home ownership transparency. The bill would add to the government Nursing Home Compare website information on facility ownership, special-focus facilities, standardized complaint forms and nursing home inspection reports. These reforms are much-needed, and will help those with nursing home abuse and neglect cases in North Carolina and elsewhere. As a nursing home abuse lawyer in North Carolina, unraveling ownership to determine who really runs the nursing homes is a critical issue.