Admissions to Life Care Center of East Ridge Suspended

Hamilton County Nursing Home Cited For Violations

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, has suspended new admissions of residents to Life Care Center of East Ridge nursing home effective November 3, 2011, and imposed a one-time state civil monetary penalty of $5,000. The federal civil penalty has been imposed at $4,050 a day until the violations are corrected.

Life Care Center of East Ridge, a 130-bed licensed nursing home located at 1500 Fincher Avenue in East Ridge, was ordered not to admit any new residents based on conditions found during a complaint investigation conducted October 10 – October 18. The investigation was completed November 3. 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.