Admissions to Life Care Center of Elizabethton Suspended

Wednesday, November 05, 2008 | 03:10am

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to Life Care Center of Elizabethton effective November 3, 2008, and imposed a one-time state civil monetary penalty of $1,500. The state also has recommended that the federal civil penalty be imposed at $3,650 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor has been appointed to review the facility’s operations.

Life Care Center of Elizabethton, a 158-bed licensed nursing home located at 1641 Highway 19E Bypass, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during a complaint investigation conducted October 20 through October 28. The investigation was completed on November 3. During the survey, surveyors found violations of the following standards: administration and nursing services.

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.

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