Admissions to Briarcliff Health Care Center Suspended

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to the Briarcliff Health Care Center nursing home effective September 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 $3,550 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor has been appointed to review the facility’s operations.

Briarcliff Health Care Center, a 120-bed licensed nursing home located at 100 Elmhurst Drive in Oak Ridge, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during a complaint investigation and annual survey conducted August 25 through August 27. During the survey, surveyors found violations of the following standards: administration, resident protection, physician services; nursing services; and pharmacy 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.