Admissions to Hillcrest-West Nursing Home Suspended

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to Hillcrest – West nursing home effective May 8, 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 $4,750 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor will be appointed to review the center’s operations.

Hillcrest - West, a 194-bed licensed nursing home located at 6801 Middlebrook Pike in Knoxville, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during an annual survey conducted April 28 through May 2. During the survey, surveyors found violations of resident protection, administration, records and reporting, and nursing services 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.