Admissions to the Bridge at Monteagle Suspended

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of patients to The Bridge at Monteagle nursing home effective November 1, 2007, and imposed a state civil monetary penalty of $1,500. The state also has recommended that the federal civil penalty be imposed at $3,550 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor will be appointed to review the center’s operations.

The Bridge at Monteagle, a 150-bed licensed nursing home located at 26 Second Street in Monteagle, was ordered not to admit any new patients based on conditions found during an annual survey conducted October 8 through October 22. During the investigation, surveyors found violations of nursing services and laboratory standards.

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 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.