Nursing Home Cited For Violations
Nashville – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to Life Care Center of Chattanooga nursing home effective August 11, 2009, and imposed a one-time state civil monetary penalty of $7,500. A federal civil penalty has been imposed at $6,300 a day.
Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has notified the facility that termination of its Medicare provider agreement is effective August 14, 2009. The facility has 30 days to assist with the transfer or relocation of its residents. A special monitor has been appointed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of residents of the facility during this transition.
Life Care Center of Chattanooga, a 153-bed licensed nursing home located at 455 North Highland Park Avenue, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during a complaint investigation and annual survey conducted June 12 through July 31. The investigation was completed August 11. During the survey, surveyors found violations of the following standards: administration, performance improvement, physician services, nursing services, medical records and pharmaceutical services.
The Commissioner of Health may suspend admissions to a nursing home when conditions are determined to be, or are likely to be, detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the residents. The order to suspend admissions remains effective until conditions have been and continue to remain corrected. A copy of the order must be posted at the public entrance where it can be plainly seen.
The nursing home has the right to a hearing regarding the suspension of admissions before the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities or an administrative judge.
