Ohio Nursing Home Points Finger in Blame Game
Northridge Nursing Home in North Ridgeville, Ohio, which is operated by Altercare, Inc., is finger-pointing in the blame game for poor survey results received recently.
Altercare, Inc. filed a lawsuit in Lorain County Common Pleas Court against former Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Marie Clark. The suit alleges breach of contract and seeks undisclosed damages and punitive damages of $500,000. The suit alleges that Clark mismanaged the facility, resulting in negative findings against the facility by government inspectors. Other allegations made in the suit were:
- Clark terminated the facility's relationship with a physician and his wound care practice, resulting in an "immediate jeopardy" citation;
- The activities staff was not certified, resulting in a regulation violation; and
- Therapy services were discontinued for most residents, often in violation of the resident's care plan; there were only 26 restorative therapy programs in March 2008 and now there are 98 restorative programs.
Clark was terminated on March 26, 2008, although Altercare, Inc. continued to pay her salary until June 22, 2008. Interestingly, an April 2008 survey indicated that there were two instances of "real and present danger" violations, in the 43 health code regulations included in the survey. The facility was cited for 34 health deficiencies and 10 fire safety deficiencies. A June 2008 survey revealed three instances of "actual harm and/or immediate jeopardy".
