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7 Cook Resume Examples + Complete Guide

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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Cook Resume

• Cook Resumes by Experience
• Cook Resumes by Role

Everyone likes food, and it takes a distinctive person to prepare it. But not everyone can handle the prep work, cleaning, and inventory management that’s part of a cook’s role. 

Food creation is your passion, but those skills don’t necessarily translate to  building a resume . That’s where we come in—we want to help you design a thoughtful, structured resume so employers know your skills.

We’ve reviewed hundreds of job descriptions and resumes to see what employers look for in 2024. Our seven cook resume samples and writing tips will help you navigate the ins and outs of what to include in your own resume. We’ll help you create a resume that’s a surefire recipe for success! 

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Why this resume works

• Metrics are any sort of numbers you can associate with your tasks. For example, did you memorize a certain number of recipes, improve efficiency by working with your team during slow hours, or did you improve the customer experience using your verbal communication skills? 
• Choose a template that gives you plenty of room to include optional sections, like certifications, depending on your experience.

Entry-Level Cook Resume

• An objective can quickly show an employer how your job history has prepared you to become a cook and why your personality is the right fit for their institution.
• If you worked retail, demonstrate your customer service abilities, memorization skills, and attention to detail. 

Experienced Line Cook Resume

• Proper  resume formatting  can make your resume easy to read and pretty to boot. Start by listing your work experience in reverse-chronological order to show your most recent experience first. 
• If you’ve trained or hired associates, collaborated with your team to save money, or implemented new inventory technology, list it in your work experience. 

Restaurant Cook Resume

• Does your restaurant cook resume show all these? If not, go back to the drawing board and exploit your past experiences that present you as a terrific cook. Your collaboration efforts with the rest of the team also have a place here.

Fast Food Cook Resume

• Unknown to you, and a majority of other applicants, your server role can be pivotal in getting you the job. Capitalize on your upselling skills and mention how that increased the size of the average check.

School Cook Resume

• For example, if you list collaboration as a skill, be sure to demonstrate that in your job description bullet points, too. 
• If you’re applying to work at a school with 800 students, an employer will have more confidence in you if they know you’ve cooked meals for large volumes of people before. 

Breakfast Cook Resume

• A summary can subtly speak to your specialty as a breakfast cook while communicating what you can bring to the table (pun intended). Include things like your years of experience, special skills, and the job title you’re seeking.
• As a breakfast cook, food presentation matters. Resume presentation matters, too, so you should always run your resume through a  resume checker  or spellcheck system to ensure your document is polished, precise, and perfect.

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Cook Resume: The 2024 Guide with Examples & Writing Tips

As a cook, crafting a well-written and effective resume can help you stand out from other candidates and land your dream job. Your resume is your first opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments to potential employers.

A cook resume is a document that highlights your culinary experience, skills, and achievements. It should provide potential employers with a clear and concise overview of your qualifications and make a compelling case for why you are the best fit for the job.

Why is a Cook Resume Important?

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, and it plays a crucial role in determining whether or not you get invited for an interview. A well-crafted cook resume can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value as a potential employee in the foodservice industry.

Key Elements of a Cook Resume

When crafting your cook resume, there are several key elements that you should include to make it as effective as possible. These may include:

• Professional Summary: A brief statement at the beginning of your resume that summarizes your experience and highlights your key qualifications.
• Experience: A detailed overview of your culinary experience, including previous employment, roles, and responsibilities.
• Skills: A list of your culinary skills, such as food preparation, cooking techniques, and menu planning.
• Education and Certifications: A list of your relevant education and certifications, such as culinary school, food safety training, and professional certifications.
• Awards and Achievements: A list of any awards or accomplishments you have earned, such as culinary competition wins or positive reviews from customers.

By including these key elements in your cook resume, you can create a compelling and effective document that showcases your skills and experience in the kitchen.

Key Skills and Qualifications

In order to be a successful cook, technical skills, soft skills, and proper qualifications are needed.

A. Technical Skills

Technical skills are the hands-on abilities needed to cook and prepare food. These skills include:

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment
• Understanding of cooking methods
• Ability to create and follow recipes
• Knowledge of food pairing and seasoning

Having knowledge and experience with various kitchen tools and equipment is also important. This includes knowing the different types of knives and their uses, as well as how to use commercial-grade appliances such as ovens, fryers, and grills.

B. Soft Skills

Soft skills are the interpersonal skills needed to succeed as a cook. These skills include:

• Time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure
• Communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration

Being a team player is especially important in the kitchen. Since cooking can be a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, the ability to communicate effectively and work well with others is essential.

C. Qualifications

In addition to technical and soft skills, certain qualifications are necessary to work as a cook. These qualifications include:

• Completion of a culinary arts program or equivalent work experience
• Food safety certification
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and requirements
• Familiarity with different cuisines

Having a culinary arts degree or equivalent work experience in the food industry is often required for cook positions. Additionally, obtaining food safety certification shows a commitment to safe food handling and preparation. Being knowledgeable about different cuisines and dietary restrictions can also set a cook apart and widen their opportunities for employment.

A successful cook should possess a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and proper qualifications. With these attributes, a cook can thrive in any kitchen environment and produce quality dishes.

Resume Format

Your resume is essentially a marketing tool that should be designed to get you the job you want. It should showcase your relevant experience, highlight your skills and accomplishments, and present you as the perfect candidate for the position you are applying for. One important aspect of creating a strong resume is selecting the right format. Here are three common resume formats:

A. Chronological Format

The chronological resume format is the most common and traditional way of organizing your resume. It showcases your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position first. This format is ideal for someone who has a solid work history with clear career progression.

The benefits of the chronological format include clearly showing your career progression, making it easy for hiring managers to understand your work history and experience. It also places a strong emphasis on the most recent and relevant experience, which can be a bonus in certain industries.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider as well. The chronological format can be a disadvantage for those with minimal experience or someone who has had long gaps in their employment history. Another negative aspect is that it does not focus on specific skills or qualifications, but rather on employment experience.

B. Functional Format

A functional resume format emphasizes your key skills and achievements over your work history. Rather than listing your previous employers and job roles, this format focuses on specific abilities and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

This format is best suited for someone who is changing careers, has gaps in their employment history or a history of job-hopping. It is also ideal for those with limited work experience or recent graduates.

However, there are some drawbacks to a functional resume. It may seem vague or confusing to hiring managers, and it may be difficult for them to understand your job history and experience. Furthermore, your employment gaps or history may still come under scrutiny.

C. Combination Format

The combination resume format is a hybrid of the chronological and functional formats. It highlights both your skills and work history, allowing you to showcase your relevant experience and key skills.

The combination format can be beneficial for those with extensive work history or industry-specific skills, as they can showcase their experience while also highlighting their key skills. It is also best suited for those who have employment gaps that they would like to explain.

However, this format can be longer than other formats, and it can be challenging to format it correctly. It is essential to select the right information to include in each section and ensure that the information flows smoothly.

Choosing the right resume format can make all the difference in your job search. No one format is perfect for everyone – it depends on your experience, skills, and specific situation. Take the time to consider your experiences and circumstances before selecting a format that best fits your needs.

How to Write a Cook Resume

If you are planning to apply for a cook position, you need to create a resume that showcases your skills and qualifications in the best possible way. To give you a head start, we have created a comprehensive guide that includes seven essential steps to write a perfect cook resume.

A. Step 1: Research the Job Posting

The first step in creating a cook resume is to research the job posting. This will help you understand the role and the specific qualifications that the employer is looking for. By doing so, you’ll be able to tailor your resume accordingly, making it more impactful and impressive.

B. Step 2: Choose Your Format

Choosing the right format for your cook resume is crucial. A well-organized and visually appealing resume can help catch an employer’s eye and improve your chances of being selected for an interview. Consider using understandable, clear fonts and a standard formatting style that’s easy to read, such as reverse-chronological or functional resumes.

C. Step 3: Draft Your Headline and Summary

Your headline and summary statement are the first things that an employer will read in your resume. Hence, you should make them count. A good summary statement should briefly highlight your skills, accomplishments, and experience, and show how you can be an asset to the company.

D. Step 4: Highlight Your Skills and Qualifications

It’s vital to showcase your skills and qualifications in your cook resume. By including the most relevant ones, you can demonstrate your ability to work in a fast-paced environment, follow recipes and handle different types of kitchen equipment.

E. Step 5: List Your Work Experience

Work experience is another critical section of your cook resume. By showcasing your previous roles, you can prove your experience in different kitchen settings, such as restaurants or hotels. Make sure to use detailed and descriptive language while describing your job duties and accomplishments.

F. Step 6: Include Relevant Activities and Interests

Including relevant activities and interests is an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, hobbies, and interests. However, make sure they are relevant to the job posting and show that you have the dedication and passion required to be a successful cook.

G. Step 7: Proofread and Finalize

After completing all the other steps, take time to proofread your resume and ensure it’s free from errors and mistakes. Ask someone else to read it too and offer feedback, if possible. Finally, finalize your cook resume and send it out with confidence!

In following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an impressive cook resume that can help you land your dream job! Good luck!

Tips for Customizing Your Cook Resume

When it comes to creating a standout Cook Resume, there are several tips you can follow to ensure that you highlight your relevant experience, skills, and credentials in the best way possible. Here are four essential tips for customizing your Cook Resume:

A. Highlight Relevant Experience

One of the most important things you can do is to highlight your relevant experience effectively. This means focusing on your previous roles in the culinary world, such as your previous positions in restaurants, cafes, or catering businesses. For each of these roles, you should list your responsibilities and achievements clearly and succinctly, focusing on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

B. Add Industry-Specific Keywords

Another important tip is to ensure that you use industry-specific keywords in your Cook Resume. By using keywords that are relevant to the culinary world, you can show potential employers that you understand their industry and have the necessary skills and experience to succeed in it. Some examples of industry-specific keywords might include “knife skills,” “food preparation,” “menu planning,” “food safety,” and “kitchen management.” Make sure to incorporate these keywords throughout your resume.

C. Quantify Your Achievements

Quantifying your achievements in your Cook Resume can make it stand out and help potential employers understand the breadth and depth of your experience. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for managing kitchen inventory,” you might say, “Managed kitchen inventory and reduced food waste by 30%.” This helps potential employers understand the real impact you’ve had in your previous roles and gives them a sense of what you might be able to achieve in their organization.

D. Highlight Your Credentials

Finally, it’s essential to highlight your credentials in your Cook Resume, especially if you have any certifications, awards, or other professional achievements. For example, if you’re certified by the American Culinary Federation, be sure to mention this prominently on your resume. Similarly, if you’ve won any awards or accolades in your culinary career, make sure to list them clearly. By doing so, you can show potential employers that you’re committed to continuous learning and professional development, which is essential in the fast-paced world of cooking.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a standout Cook Resume that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and credentials. Remember to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, using industry-specific keywords and highlighting your most relevant experience and achievements. With a well-crafted Cook Resume, you’ll be sure to impress potential employers and land your dream job in the culinary world.

Cook Resume Examples

In this section, we will take a closer look at three different cook resume examples: a line cook, a head cook, and a sous chef. Regardless of the cooking position you’re aiming for, these examples will give you an idea of what to include in your own resume.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As an experienced cook, you know that every detail counts when it comes to cooking. Similarly, every detail counts when it comes to your resume. Here are the common mistakes to avoid:

A. Grammatical and Spelling Errors

Your resume represents you. It is a marketing tool to help you land your next job. Grammatical and spelling errors can detract from the professional image you want to convey. It is essential to proofread your resume carefully and consider having someone else look it over as well. Additionally, consider using a tool like Grammarly to catch errors automatically.

B. Lack of Professionalism

Your resume should reflect your professionalism. Avoid using slang or inappropriate language. Make sure your email address is professional and that your voicemail greeting is polite and straightforward. Furthermore, include only relevant work experience and education. Your resume should be tailored to the job you are seeking. Finally, don’t forget to include a cover letter with your resume that demonstrates your interest and professionalism.

C. Focusing on Responsibilities Instead of Achievements

Your resume should highlight your achievements, not just your responsibilities. It’s not enough to list the roles you’ve had. You need to explain what you accomplished in those roles. Use bullet points to highlight specific achievements, such as perfect attendance or creating a new dish that became a best-seller on the menu. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, such as “increased sales by X percent.”

Avoid grammatical and spelling errors, convey professionalism, and focus on your achievements, not just your responsibilities. By following these guidelines, you can create a top-notch cook resume that makes a positive impression on potential employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you prepare your cook resume, you may have questions about what to include and how to best present your skills and experiences. Here are a few frequently asked questions to help guide you.

A. Can I include cooking skills that are not directly related to the job?

Yes! Including a diverse range of cooking skills on your resume can help you stand out from the competition and showcase your versatility. Even if a skill or type of cuisine isn’t directly related to the specific job you’re applying for, it can still demonstrate your expertise and passion for cooking. For example, if you’re applying to a restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisine but also have experience cooking Mexican food, consider including that on your resume. However, it’s important to prioritize the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

B. What if I don’t have any relevant certifications or qualifications?

Even if you don’t have any formal certifications or qualifications in cooking, there are still ways to highlight your skills and experience on your resume. For example, you could list any cooking courses or workshops you have attended, as well as any relevant experience you have gained through volunteering, internships, or personal projects. Additionally, consider highlighting any transferable skills you have gained in previous roles, such as teamwork, time management, and attention to detail.

C. How detailed should my work experience section be?

When it comes to your work experience section, it’s important to strike a balance between providing enough detail to showcase your skills and experiences, without overwhelming the reader with too much information. Be sure to include the name and location of the company you worked for, your job title, and the dates of your employment. Then, highlight your responsibilities and achievements in each role, focusing on those that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. You can also include metrics, such as the number of dishes you prepared per shift or the size of the kitchen you managed, to provide context and demonstrate your impact. Ultimately, aim for a concise, easy-to-read summary that showcases your strengths as a cook.

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Nursing Home Cook Cover Letter Example

Nursing Home Cooks are responsible for meal preparation for the residents within a nursing home setting. The job description entails following food safety standards and resident dietary restrictions. To ensure success in this role, the person should have the potential to prepare the meals efficiently and be flexible to the varying dietary needs.

Looking to take the next step in your career with a new employment opportunity? Your Resume should come with a strong cover letter. You should introduce yourself and talk about how interested you are in the possibilities in your letter. Your hiring employer should see your skills and talents in your letter. It is crucial to write your Nursing Home Cook Cover Letter using the best practices relevant to this industry. You can do this by looking at our Nursing Home Cook Cover Letter Samples.

• Cover Letters
• Healthcare & Wellbeing

Nursing Home Cooks are hired to cook meals for the residents in a nursing home setting. The main responsibility that is shouldered includes ensuring the meals are nutritious and satisfactory. Other duties include – checking and serving the quality of every meal, checking for the seasoning and presentation; adhering to dietary restrictions as listed, and providing and homey dining experience to the residents in the nursing home. The job duties further include maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, while ensuring the patient’s well-being.

What to Include in a Nursing Home Cook Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Make sure all the food items are stored and prepared well.
• Cooking the food as per the dietary requirements of the setting.
• Developing menus as per the age and food preferences.
• Ensuring the meals follow nutrition standards.
• Making sure the food safety regulations, and maintaining the food temperature.
• Supervising the kitchen staff and workers.
• Setting up, and maintaining the kitchen area, including the dining and cafeteria.
• Developing and training new workers.

Education & Skills

Nursing home cook skills:.

• Strong knowledge of food safety practices.
• Work experience in kitchen sanitation.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions.
• Creativity in menu planning.
• Customer service skills for interacting with co-workers, and residents.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to stay organized.
• Strong coordination skills, and the ability to understand and execute instructions.

Nursing Home Cook Education Requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• A degree in culinary arts, nutrition, or dietetics.

Nursing Home Cook Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./Ms.,

I am writing this letter to illustrate my interest in applying for the post of Nursing Home Cook at (Company Name). My 8 years of cooking experience in various work settings, including major healthcare sectors, allows me to be a perfect match for this role.

I have strong network skills, complemented by educational qualifications, and a passion for culinary arts – I am sure to provide excellent care to your residents at () and meet your objectives as well. my experience in this role helped me understand the nuances of the job while allowing me to excel in these areas –

• Track record of creating nutritious yet delicious meals, I can cook for more than 200 people at a time.
• Excellent service record working in the healthcare food service industry, focussing on preparing three times meals for senior citizens mainly.
• The ability to articulate and understand dietary needs, while maintaining the budget quoted by the management.
• Experience in managing the kitchen, and kitchen staff, and maintaining food safety and sanitation protocols.
• Helped the chief cook in planning and preparing a menu that caters to the needs of senior adults, kids, and adolescents.
• Can prepare specific dietary meals – low sodium, diabetic, and so on.
• Excellent understanding of portion control allowing me to give space for varying nutritional requirements.
• The ability to work in a team and individual set-up, and strict knowledge of applicable rules and stipulations.
• Accounting skills to order supplies, maintain inventory, and check outflow/inflow of supplies while cutting down food wastage.

Besides these qualifications, I am a very compassionate and patient individual, who can address any meal-related issues with the residents directly. I strongly have the motto that a well-cooked meal will change the lives of the residents drastically, and I am willing to contribute to the overall happiness and health of ()’s residents.

Given an opportunity, I assure you to give my best to this job and become an asset to your organization.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely, [Your Name]

While applying for the Nursing Home Cook role, ensure the cover letter includes the following –

• Your experience and knowledge of food safety regulations, and dietary restrictions.
• Customer service skills.
• Skills and experience in menu planning, and supervision of kitchen staff.
• Your training and education received in dietetics, nutrition, and culinary arts.

Looking for Resume writing ideas? See our Nursing Home Cook Resume Samples !

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• Risk Factors
• Four Steps to Food Safety
• Educational Materials and Videos
• Foods That Can Cause Food Poisoning
• Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Restaurant Food Safety
• About Norovirus

About Four Steps to Food Safety

At a glance.

• Following four simple steps at home can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning.
• Prevent food poisoning - Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.

Prevention steps and strategies

Clean: wash your hands and surfaces often..

• Germs that cause food poisoning can survive in many places and spread around your kitchen.
• Always wash hands after handling uncooked meat, chicken and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.
• Wash your utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.

Separate: don’t cross-contaminate.

• Raw meat, chicken and other poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat food unless you keep them separate.
• When grocery shopping, keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from other foods.
• Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in sealed containers or wrap them securely so the juices don't leak onto other foods.
• Use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and a separate cutting board or plate for produce, bread, and other foods that won't be cooked.
• If you choose to wash chicken, do so as safely as possible ( see steps ).

Cook to the right temperature.

• The only way to tell if food is safely cooked is to use a food thermometer. You can't tell if food is safely cooked by checking its color and texture (except for seafood).
• Whole cuts of beef, veal, lamb, and pork, including fresh ham: 145°F (then allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or eating)
• Fish with fins: 145°F or cook until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork
• Ground meats, such as beef and pork: 160°F
• All poultry, including ground chicken and turkey: 165°F
• Leftovers and casseroles: 165°F
• Check this chart for a detailed list of temperatures and foods , including shellfish and precooked ham.
• Know your microwave's wattage . Check inside the door, owner's manual, or manufacturer's website. If your microwave is high wattage (800 watts or more), use the minimum cooking time recommended. If it is low wattage (300–500 watts), use the maximum cooking time recommended.
• When reheating, use a food thermometer to make sure that microwaved food reaches 165°F.

Chill: refrigerate promptly.

• Bacteria can multiply rapidly if left at room temperature or in the "Danger Zone" between 40°F and 140°F. Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).
• Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below, and know when to throw food out before it spoils . If your refrigerator doesn't have a built-in thermometer, keep an appliance thermometer inside it to check the temperature.
• Package warm or hot food into several clean, shallow containers and then refrigerate. It is okay to put small portions of hot food in the refrigerator since they will chill faster.
• Refrigerate perishable food (meat, seafood, dairy, cut fruit, some vegetables, and cooked leftovers) within 2 hours. If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like a hot car or picnic, refrigerate it within 1 hour.
• Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, in cold water , or in the microwave. Never thaw food on the counter because bacteria multiply quickly in the parts of the food that reach room temperature.

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Chicago man charged in Geneva nursing home sex abuse after resident with disabilities gives birth

GENEVA, Ill. (WLS) -- A Chicago man has been charged in connection to the sex abuse of a resident at a suburban nursing home.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

The victim, resident at Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, was discovered to be pregnant last month and recently gave birth. She is said to have profound disabilities.

Isaiah Fields, 22, of Chicago has been charged with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Assault and Aggravated Battery, the Kane County State's Attorney's Office said.

Fields was charged after the DNA samples were taken from employees at the nursing home during the investigation into the sex abuse.

Up to 96 adult residents live at the campus in Geneva at any given time, all of whom have what are described as profound developmental disabilities.

Las month, care facility management discovered the sexual abuse after sending one of their residents to Delnor Hospital for a checkup only to find out she was 33 weeks pregnant.

"We've served thousands of individuals. We've never had a case like this. It's an act of evil. A criminal act," Gil Fonger, president and CEO at Marklund, said last month.

The victim's family had returned her to the facility last month, where she is currently being cared for.

Marklund issued the following statement from Fonger on Sunday about the arrest made by the Kane County Sherrif's Office:

"Since we first reported the case of sexual abuse against a Marklund resident on April 9, we have worked closely with the Kane County Sheriff's Office. We are grateful for their diligent efforts, as well as the support of the Kane County State's Attorney, which has led to the arrest of a former Marklund staff member. Knowing that this nightmare has reached this stage, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off our organization, and allowed us all to breathe a sigh of relief. While it cannot change the past, we are at least confident in knowing that justice will be served. Our administration team will continue to cooperate throughout the judicial process."

Related Topics

• SEX ASSAULT
• INVESTIGATION
• NURSING HOME

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Nursing homes are citing immunity laws to duck hundreds of wrongful death lawsuits

This is a KFF Health News story.

In early 2020, with reports of COVID-19 outbreaks making dire headlines, Trever Schapers worried about her father's safety in a nursing home in Queens.

She had delighted in watching her dad, John Schapers, blow out the candles on his 90th birthday cake that February at the West Lawrence Care Center in the New York City borough. Then the home went into lockdown.

Soon her father was dead. The former union painter spiked a fever and was transferred to a hospital, where he tested positive for COVID, his daughter said, and after two weeks on a ventilator, he died in May 2020.

But when Trever Schapers sued the nursing home for negligence and wrongful death in 2022, a judge dismissed the case, citing a New York state law hastily passed early in the pandemic. It granted immunity to medical providers for "harm or damages" from an "act or omission" in treating or arranging care for COVID. She is appealing the decision.

"I feel that families are being ignored by judges and courts not recognizing that something needs to be done and changed," said Schapers, 48, who works in the medical field. "There needs to be accountability."

The nursing home did not return calls seeking comment. In a court filing, the home argued that Schapers offered no evidence that the home was "grossly negligent" in treating her father.

More than four years after COVID first raged through many U.S. nursing homes, hundreds of lawsuits blaming patient deaths on negligent care have been tossed out or languished in the courts amid contentious legal battles.

Even some nursing homes that were shut down by health officials for violating safety standards have claimed immunity against such suits, court records show. And some families that allege homes kept them in the dark about the health of their loved ones, even denying there were cases of COVID in the building, have had their cases dismissed.

Schapers alleged in a complaint to state health officials that the nursing home failed to advise her that it had admitted COVID-positive patients from a nearby hospital in March 2020. In early April, she received a call telling her the facility had some COVID-positive residents.

"The call I received was very alarming, and they refused to answer any of my questions," she said.

About two weeks later, a social worker called to say that her father had a fever, but the staff did not test him to confirm COVID, according to Schapers' complaint.

The industry says federal health officials and lawmakers in most states granted medical providers broad protection from lawsuits for good-faith actions during the health emergency. Rachel Reeves, a senior vice president with the American Health Care Association, an industry trade group, called COVID "an unprecedented public health crisis brought on by a vicious virus that uniquely targeted our population."

In scores of lawsuits, however, family members allege that nursing homes failed to secure enough protective gear or tests for staffers or residents, haphazardly mixed COVID-positive patients with other residents, failed to follow strict infection control protocols, and brazenly misled frightened families about the severity of COVID outbreaks among patients and staff.

"They trusted these facilities to take care of loved ones, and that trust was betrayed," said Florida attorney Lindsey Gale, who has represented several families suing over COVID-related deaths.

"The grieving process people had to go through was horrible," Gale said.

A deadly toll

KFF Health News found that more than 1,100 COVID-related lawsuits, most alleging wrongful death or other negligent care, were filed against nursing homes from March 2020 through March of this year.

While there's no full accounting of the outcomes, court filings show that judges have dismissed some suits outright, citing state or federal immunity provisions, while other cases have been settled under confidential terms. And many cases have stalled due to lengthy and costly arguments and appeals to hash out limits, if any, of immunity protection.

In their defense, nursing homes initially cited the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act , which Congress passed in December 2005. The law grants liability protection from claims for deaths or injuries tied to vaccines or "medical countermeasures" taken to prevent or treat a disease during national emergencies.

The PREP Act steps in once the secretary of Health and Human Services declares a " public health emergency ," which happened with COVID on March 17, 2020 . The emergency order expired on May 11, 2023.

The law carved out an exception for "willful misconduct," but proving it occurred can be daunting for families – even when nursing homes have long histories of violating safety standards, including infection controls.

Governors of at least 38 states issued COVID executive orders, or their legislatures passed laws, granting medical providers at least some degree of immunity , according to one consumer group's tally. Just how much legal protection was intended is at the crux of the skirmishes.

Nursing homes answered many negligence lawsuits by getting them removed from state courts into the federal judicial system and asking for dismissal under the PREP Act.

For the most part, that didn't work because federal judges declined to hear the cases. Some judges ruled that the PREP Act was not intended to shield medical providers from negligence caused by inaction, such as failing to protect patients from the coronavirus. These rulings and appeals sent cases back to state courts, often after long delays that left families in legal limbo.

"These delays have been devastating," said Jeffrey Guzman, a New York City attorney who represents Schapers and other families. He said the industry has fought "tooth and nail" trying to "fight these people getting their day in court."

Empire State epicenter

New York, where COVID hit early and hard, is ground zero for court battles over nursing home immunity.

Relatives of residents have filed more than 750 negligence or wrongful death cases in New York counties since the start of the pandemic, according to court data KFF Health News compiled using the judicial reporting service Courthouse News Service. No other area comes close.

Chicago's Cook County, a jurisdiction where private lawyers for years have aggressively sued nursing homes alleging poor infection control , recorded 121 COVID-related cases.

Plaintiffs in hundreds of New York cases argue that nursing homes knew early in 2020 that COVID would pose a deadly threat but largely failed to gird for its impact. Many suits cite inspection reports detailing chronic violations of infection control standards in the years preceding the pandemic, court records show. Responses to this strategy vary.

"Different judges take different views," said Joseph Ciaccio, a New York lawyer who has filed hundreds of such cases. "It's been very mixed."

Lawyers for nursing homes counter that most lawsuits rely on vague allegations of wrongdoing and "boilerplate" claims that, even if true, don't demonstrate the kind of gross negligence that would override an immunity claim.

New York lawmakers added another wrinkle by repealing the immunity statute in April 2021 after Attorney General Letitia James noted the law could give nursing homes a free pass to make "financially motivated decisions" to cut costs and put patients at risk.

So far, appeals courts have ruled lawmakers didn't specify that the repeal should be made retroactive, thus stymying many negligence cases.

"So these cases are all wasting the courts' time and preventing cases that aren't barred by immunity statutes from being resolved sooner and clogging up the court system that was already backlogged from COVID," said attorney Anna Borea, who represents nursing homes.

Troubled homes deflect suits

Some nursing homes that paid hefty fines or were ordered by health officials to shut down at least temporarily because of their inadequate response to COVID have claimed immunity against suits, court records show.

Among them is Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation nursing home in New Jersey, which made national headlines when authorities found 17 bodies stacked in a makeshift morgue in April 2020.

Federal health officials fined the facility $220,235 after issuing a critical 36-page report on COVID violations and other deficiencies, and the state halted admissions in February 2022.

Yet the home has won court pauses in at least three negligence lawsuits as it appeals lower-court rulings denying immunity under the federal PREP Act, court records show. The operators of the home could not be reached for comment. In court filings, they denied any wrongdoing.

In Oregon, health officials suspended operations at Healthcare at Foster Creek, calling the Portland nursing home "a serious danger to the public health and safety." The May 2020 order cited the home's "consistent inability to adhere to basic infection control standards."

Bonnie Richardson, a Portland lawyer, sued the facility on behalf of the family of Judith Jones, 75, who had dementia and died in April 2020. Jones' was among dozens of COVID-related deaths at that home.

"It was a very hard-fought battle," said Richardson, who has since settled the case under confidential terms. Although the nursing home claimed immunity, her clients "wanted to know what happened and to understand why." The owners of the nursing home provided no comment.

No COVID Here

Many families believe nursing homes misled them about COVID's relentless spread. They often had to settle for window visits to connect with their loved ones.

Relatives of five patients who died in 2020 at the Sapphire Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in the Flushing neighborhood in Queens filed lawsuits accusing the home's operators of keeping them in the dark.

When they phoned to check on elderly parents, they either couldn't get through or were told there was "no COVID-19 in the building," according to one court affidavit.

One woman grew alarmed after visiting in February 2020 and seeing nurses wearing masks "below their noses or under their chin," according to a court affidavit.

The woman was shocked when the home relayed that her mother had died in April 2020 from unknown causes, perhaps "from depression and not eating," according to her affidavit.

A short time later, news media reported that dozens of Sapphire Center residents had died from the virus – her 85-year-old mother among them, she argued in a lawsuit.

The nursing home denied liability and won dismissal of all five lawsuits after citing the New York immunity law. Several families are appealing. The nursing home's administrator declined to comment.

Broadening immunity

Nursing home operators also have cited immunity to foil negligence lawsuits based on falls or other allegations of substandard care, such as bedsores, with little obvious connection to the pandemic, court records show.

The family of Marilyn Kearney, an 89-year-old with a "history of dementia and falls," sued the Watrous Nursing Center in Madison, Connecticut, for negligence. Days after she was admitted in June 2020, she fell in her room, fracturing her right hip and requiring surgery, according to court filings.

She died at a local hospital on Sept. 16, 2020, from sepsis attributed to dehydration and malnutrition, according to the suit.

Her family argued that the 45-bed nursing home failed to assess her risk of falling and develop a plan to prevent that. But Watrous fired back by citing an April 2020 declaration by Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, granting health care professionals or facilities immunity from "any injury or death alleged to have been sustained because of the individual's or health care facility's acts or omissions undertaken in good faith while providing health care services in support of the state's COVID-19 response."

Watrous denied liability and, in a motion to dismiss the case, cited Lamont's executive order and affidavits that argued the home did its best in the throes of a "public health crisis, the likes of which had never been seen before." The operators of the nursing home, which closed in July 2021 because of COVID, did not respond to a request for comment. The case is pending.

Attorney Wendi Kowarik, who represents Kearney's family, said courts are wrestling with how much protection to afford nursing homes.

"We're just beginning to get some guidelines," she said.

One pending Connecticut case alleges that an 88-year-old man died in October 2020 after experiencing multiple falls, sustaining bedsores, and dropping more than 30 pounds in the two months he lived at a nursing home, court records state. The nursing home denied liability and contends it is entitled to immunity.

So do the owners of a Connecticut facility that cared for a 75-year-old woman with obesity who required a lift to get out of bed. She fell on April 26, 2020, smashing several teeth and fracturing bones. She later died from her injuries, according to the suit, which is pending.

"I think it is really repugnant that providers are arguing that they should not be held accountable for falls, pressure sores, and other outcomes of gross neglect," said Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, which advocates for patients.

"The government did not declare open season on nursing home residents when it implemented COVID policies," he said.

Protecting the vulnerable

Since early 2020, U.S. nursing homes have reported more than 172,000 residents' deaths, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data. That's about one in seven of all recorded U.S. COVID deaths.

As it battles COVID lawsuits, the nursing home industry says it is "struggling to recover due to ongoing labor shortages, inflation, and chronic government underfunding," according to Reeves, the trade association executive.

She said the American Health Care Association has advocated for "reasonable, limited liability protections that defend staff and providers for their good faith efforts" during the pandemic.

"Caregivers were doing everything they could," Reeves said, "often with limited resources and ever-changing information, in an effort to protect and care for residents."

But patients' advocates remain wary of policies that might bar the courthouse door against grieving families.

"I don't think we want to continue to enact laws that reward nursing homes for bad care," said Sam Brooks, of the Coalition for the Protection of Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities, a patient advocacy group.

"We need to keep that in mind if, God forbid, we have another pandemic," Brooks said.

Bill Hammond, a senior fellow at the Empire Center for Public Policy, a nonpartisan New York think tank, said policymakers should focus on better strategies to protect patients from infectious outbreaks, rather than leaving it up to the courts to sort out liability years later.

"There is no serious effort to have that conversation," Hammond said. "I think that's crazy."

Business | More Illinois health care facilities would have…

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Business | More Illinois health care facilities would have to report patient abuse under new bill

Under current law hospitals must promptly report allegations of patient abuse, including sexual abuse by a health care worker, to the Illinois Department of Public Health, triggering an investigation into the hospital’s handling of the matter. But allegations of patient abuse that occur at doctors’ offices or clinics outside of hospital walls, even those connected with hospitals, are not currently required to be reported to the state’s health department.

“This is just a simple commonsense fix to make clear that hospitals have responsibility for providers at any of their facilities,” said Illinois Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, who is behind the legislation. “It kind of falls into that category, do we really need to tell somebody out loud that that’s what we expect of them? Apparently we do, so we are.”

Earlier this year, a Chicago Tribune investigation revealed that several well-known health systems allowed workers accused of sexually abusing patients to continue providing care. In several instances, those same health care workers were then accused of abusing additional patients.

In one of the most prominent cases in the state, former Endeavor Health gynecologist Dr. Fabio Ortega has faced lawsuits from more than 60 patients accusing him of sexual assault or abuse. In October 2021, Ortega pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse of two patients following incidents that occurred at two Endeavor-affiliated offices. Many of the alleged incidents described in the lawsuits occurred at hospital-affiliated facilities where the doctor regularly practiced. In the suits, the women accuse the health systems where he worked of failing to protect them.

The Tribune reported on the pivotal role Endeavor, formerly NorthShore University HealthSystem, played in keeping the doctor in place despite multiple complaints from patients.

Cassidy said the bill directly addresses what happened with Ortega.

“This is literally closing the most egregious loophole with the understanding that there is a lot more to do here,” Cassidy said.

Tamara Holder, an attorney who represents most of the women who have sued Ortega and Endeavor along with her co-counsels Johanna Raimond and Stephan Blandin, said the bill is a good start, and will help force “health care institutions to listen to women.” Holder and her co-counsels also helped work on the bill.

“This is important because women spend most of their time receiving gynecological and obstetrical care in a clinic, not in a hospital setting, and the Ortega case and other cases across the country show that most of the abuse does occur in a clinical setting or in an office setting because that’s where doctors have more privacy and alone time with patients,” Holder said.

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association also collaborated on the bill. “The hospital community condemns any form of patient abuse, and supports reporting requirements to protect patients and ensure governing bodies are aware of these incidents,” association spokesperson Amy Barry said in an emailed statement.

Endeavor Health said in a statement Thursday it “is grateful for the good faith efforts of Illinois lawmakers and the hospital community regarding proposals for reporting parity between hospitals and wholly owned external sites” and it will “continue to evaluate the implications of any changes to Illinois law on our patients and staff.”

Sen. Karina Villa, who leads the Illinois Senate Public Health Committee, said she plans to be a sponsor of the bill when it reaches the Senate. She said hospital affiliates shouldn’t be exempt from having to report allegations of abuse. Citing the Tribune’s findings, she called the new legislation “a positive start” and said there’s more work to be done in future legislative sessions.

The Tribune’s reporting also identified several failings in state oversight, including gaps in state laws and slow action by the state agency responsible for disciplining health care workers that resulted in some doctors and other workers accused of abuse continuing to provide patient care for months or years. When hospitals failed to report patient allegations of abuse, they appeared to face few consequences from the state, the Tribune found.

Cassidy said she plans to discuss measures to address accountability in the summer.

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