State Health Department Suspends Admissions to Tennessee Veterans Home in Murfreesboro

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to Tennessee Veteran’s Home in Murfreesboro effective November 1, 2007, and imposed a state civil monetary penalty of $6,000. The state also has recommended that the federal civil penalty be imposed at $5,150 a day until the violations are corrected.

Earlier this week, Governor Phil Bredesen instructed the facility to suspend admissions of new residents based on the Department of Health’s inspection.

Tennessee Veteran’s Home, a 140-bed licensed nursing home located at 345 Compton Road in Murfreesboro, was ordered not to admit any new patients based on conditions found during a complaint investigation and extended survey conducted October 15 through October 23. During the investigation, surveyors found violations of administration, resident protection, performance improvement and nursing services 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.