Admissions to Green Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center Suspended

Nashville nursing home cited for violations

 Nashville, August 29, 2006

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., has suspended new admissions of patients to Green Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center and imposed a state civil monetary penalty of $1,500. The state also has recommended that the federal civil penalty be imposed at $3,050 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor will be appointed to review the center’s operations. 

The Green Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center, a 150-bed licensed facility located at 3939 Hillsboro Circle in Nashville, was ordered not to admit any new patients based on conditions found during complaint investigation survey conducted August 8 through August 21. During the investigation, surveyors found violations of administration, performance improvement, nursing services, and quality of care standards. Specifically, the deficiencies related failure to follow facility policies and procedures; failure to assess and monitor residents at risk for skin breakdowns and aspiration; failure to review and revise care plans; failure to follow physician orders; failure to implement safety precautions; and failure of the facility’s medical director to monitor patient care.  

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 corrected and will 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.