Michigan Nursing Home Faces $116,000 Fine
St. Francis Home, located in Saginaw, Michigan, faces a $116,000 fine, along with fines of approximately $300 per day from January 15, 2009 to February 20, 2009, after investigators cited the facility for twelve deficiencies during an annual survey. Additionally, the deficiencies resulted in a state freeze on Medicare and Medicaid payments on new admissions.
An aide admitted to investigators during the survey that she hit a man's chest because he hit her first. Another violation occurred when the facility failed to protect the privacy of an 80 year old resident with dementia when an aide used a cell phone to record him naked from the chest up in a bathroom. These two incidents resulted in citations "immediate jeopardy", which is the worst violation possible.
During the state visit, the Administrator, Sr. Margaret Turner, fired three nursing aides and a licensed practical nurse. The state report indicated that Administrators did not adequately protect residents from abuse or neglect and failed to follow an abuse policy that requires all workers to immediately report abuse allegations to the director of nursing.
This facility has not been without previous problems. Sr. Margaret assumed control of the facility in January 2008. In February 2008, the facility was cited thirteen deficiencies, on of which was a Level 3 "actual harm" deficiency. The facility also had seven deficiencies in December 2006.
The Terry Law Firm is experienced in handling cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. Please contact us at 1 (888) 317-2525 or visit us at www.nursinghomejustice.com.
