Admissions to The Cornelia House Suspended

Nashville nursing home cited for violations

Nashville, August 30, 2006

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., has suspended new admissions of patients to The Cornelia House and imposed a state civil monetary penalty of $5,000. The penalty amount is set at the maximum amount as a result of this being the third Type A civil penalty cited to this facility since January 1, 2004. The state also has recommended that federal civil penalty be imposed at $3,650 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor will be appointed to review the center’s operations.

The Cornelia House, a 159-bed licensed facility located at 701 Porter Road in Nashville, was ordered not to admit any new patients based on conditions found during the annual recertification survey conducted July 23 through August 21. During the investigation, surveyors found violations of administration, nursing services, records and reporting, and quality of care standards. Specifically, the deficiencies related failure to administer medications and treatments as ordered; failure to notify physician of changes in resident condition; failure to follow physician orders; failure to report unusual incidents; failure to investigate complaints; and failure to ensure rights of residents to make informed health care decisions.

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.