Admissions to East Tennessee Health Care Center Suspended

Monroe County Nursing Home Cited for Violations

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, has suspended new admissions of residents to East Tennessee Health Care Center effective March 5, 2012, and imposed a one-time state civil monetary penalty of $4,000. The federal civil penalty has been imposed at $3,050 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor has been appointed to review the facility’s operations.

East Tennessee Health Care Center, an 81-bed licensed nursing home located at 465 Isbell Road in Madisonville, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during an annual survey conducted February 6 – February 21. The investigation was completed February 21. During the inspection, surveyors found violations of the following standards: administration, performance improvement, physician services and resident rights.

The Commissioner of Health 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.