The Department of Health and Human Services and several nursing home watchdog organizations are applauding the Bush Administration's release of data regarding the nation's 17,000 nursing homes, claiming the information will allow consumers to properly choose a qualified facility for loved ones. The material, published Tuesday, allows families to access valuable information concerning a nursing home, including how many patients suffer from bed sores, the commonness of physical restraints, annual inspection reports and the outcomes of complaint investigations. The information is based on data nursing homes are required to collect as part of their participation in the government's Medicare program.

Health officials are hoping the release of the data will prompt nursing homes to improve their quality of care. Abuse or neglect of elderly patients in assisted living facilities has been a chief concern for nursing home reform coalitions in recent years. Interest groups blame hundreds of deaths each year on improper attention at elderly care centers.