Admissions To Newport Health And Rehabilitation Center Suspended

Cocke County Nursing Home Cited For Violations

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to the Newport Health and Rehabilitation Center effective May 5, 2009, and imposed a one-time state civil monetary penalty of $1,500. The state also has recommended that the federal civil penalty be imposed at $6,150 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor has been appointed to review the facility’s operations.

Newport Health and Rehabilitation, a 150-bed licensed nursing home located at 135 Mariner Drive in Newport, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during a complaint investigation and annual survey conducted April 21 through April 24. The investigation was complete May 5. During the survey, surveyors found violations of the following standards: administration, performance improvement, physician services, nursing services, pharmaceutical services and laboratory services.

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.