admissions To Wesley Highland Manor Suspended

Memphis nursing home cited for violations

Nashville, April 18, 2006

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., has suspended new admissions of patients to Wesley Highland Manor nursing home and imposed a state civil monetary penalty of $1,500. The federal civil penalty has been imposed at $3,050 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor will be appointed to review the home’s operations.

Wesley Highland Manor, a 180-bed licensed nursing home located at 3549 Norriswood in Memphis, was ordered not to admit any new patients based on conditions found during a complaint investigation conducted April 9 through April 11. During the investigation, surveyors found violations related to failure to: relocate or protect 39 of 96 residents from the potential for serious harm; maintain an environment free of accident hazards; and maintain the required means of egress during the facility’s ongoing renovation.

The Commissioner 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 corrected and will 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.