Admissions to Center on Aging and Health Suspended

Unicoi County Nursing Home Cited for Violations

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, has suspended new admissions of residents to the Center for Aging and Health effective Aug. 16, 2012, and imposed a one-time state civil monetary penalty of $5,000. A federal civil penalty has also been imposed at $3,050 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor has been appointed to review the facility’s operations.

Center for Aging and Health, a 120-bed licensed nursing home located at 880 South Mohawk Drive in Erwin, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during a complaint investigation conducted July 16 through Aug. 6, 2012. The investigation was completed Aug. 16. During the inspection, surveyors found violations of the following standards: administration, performance improvement and nursing services.

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.