Admissions to Life Care Center of Jefferson City Suspended

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to Life Care Center of Jefferson City nursing home effective January 28, 2008, and imposed a state civil monetary penalty of $1,500. The federal civil penalty has been imposed at $3,550 a day.

Life Care Center of Jefferson City, a 121-bed licensed nursing home located at 336 West Old Andrew Johnson Highway, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during a complaint investigation and partial extended survey conducted January 16 through January 22. During the investigation and survey, surveyors found violations of administration; nursing services; physician notification; resident assessment; resident protection; investigation and reporting; quality of life; and quality of care standards.

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.