Coronavirus Liability Shields for Nursing Homes Only Go So Far

The coronavirus could shine a light on nursing homes that failed to give proper care before the pandemic began, even as states take steps to shield some facilities from getting sued.

Governors in at least six states—New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona—have issued executive orders protecting nursing homes and other health-care facilities from being held civilly liable for the injury or death of Covid-19 patients in their care. New York and Massachusetts have passed laws to the same effect. The measures, however, are temporary and only stretch so far, attorneys say.

If nursing homes’ practices rose to ...