Admissions to Serene Manor Suspended

Knox County Nursing Home Cited For Violations

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to Serene Manor Medical Center effective February 1, 2010, and imposed a one-time state civil monetary penalty of $1,500. The state also has recommended the federal civil penalty be imposed at $5,050 a day until the violations are corrected. A special monitor has been appointed to review the facility’s operations.

Serene Manor Medical Center, a 79-bed licensed nursing home located at 970 Wray Street in Knoxville, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during a complaint investigation conducted January 19 - 25. The investigation was completed February 1. During the inspection, surveyors found violations of the following standards: administration; performance improvement; and nursing services.

The Commissioner of Health 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.