Alva Review-Courier -

A new federal ruling could settle a long-disputed question of whether Oklahoma nursing homes can force patients or their families to sign away their rights to sue in court as a condition for admission.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a final rule last week that blocks nursing homes that receive federal funds from using pre-dispute binding arbitration agreements. Almost all nursing homes get federal funds.

Over the years, the controversial practice has been used by dozens of nursing homes and assisted living centers in the state as part of their admission contracts. The...