Department of Finance & Administration
Larry B. Martin, Interim Commissioner

U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE GIVES TOP REVIEWS TO STATE VETERANS' HOMES

NASHVILLE – Recent independent reviews of the Tennessee State Veterans' Homes (TSVH) show that the quality of patient care and home operations are exceeding the standard for nursing homes in the state.  The veterans homes have passed the scrutiny of the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Tennessee Department of Health.  State Veterans’ homes are located in Murfreesboro, Humboldt and Knoxville. 

“The fact that the federal Justice department has ended their oversight of homes at Murfreesboro and Humboldt is a huge success, and one that management and employees should be proud of,” said Mike Morrow, Commissioner of Finance and Administration, who holds a seat on the TSVH board.  “Over the past five years, the TSVH board has taken steps to assume oversight and management of the homes, but it’s the dedicated employees at each of the homes who have strived to achieve quality care for our veterans.”

Oversight by the federal DOJ began in 2007, and led to procedural, operations and management changes at the homes. Recent review led to the decision to end federal oversight.  In addition, the state Department of Health conducted annual surveys of the facilities and found only minor deficiencies which were immediately corrected. 

In June and November of this year, the US Department of Veterans Affairs also conducted an annual operational and clinical review of each of the three TSVH homes, finding no significant issues or concerns.

“We’ve worked hard to take the homes into state supervision and turn them into operations that reflect best practices, and it’s paid off with the reviews we’re now getting,” TSVH Board Chairman Bob Tuke said.  “The best result, though, is assuring that our veterans are getting the care they and their families deserve, and we intend to continue to focus on providing the best for those who served for us all.”

The newest home, in Knoxville, opened in 2006, while the Humboldt facility opened ten years earlier in 1996 and Murfreesboro in 1991. The TSVH board took over management of the homes in 2005, after twice contracting with private companies.  Each facility has 140 beds.