Pennsylvania Nursing Home Loses License Due to Deficiencies
The State of Pennsylvania is closing Specialty Lifecare Services, formerly known as White Star at Napoleon Place, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The facility lost its license after deficiencies dating back to 2007 were found and allegedly not resolved. The deficiencies appear to date back to former Administrator Debra Zilch. In addition to operating as the facility Administrator, Zilch was also minority owner in the facility. She allegedly stole a 91 year old resident's checkbook and wrote $50,600 in checks for personal use. She remains free on bond.
Around the time that Zilch was removed from her position, the facility was notified that its license would not be renewed. That decision was appealed and during the appeal process, the facility hired a new administrator and nursing director to address the problems. Unfortunately, the new Administrator did not meet state Administrator regulations. Moreover, serious medication errors were alleged and the State of Pennsylvania learned that a bank was putting liens on residents' payments to the home because Specialty Lifecare reportedly was not paying its mortgage.
The twenty-eight residents involved must find new facilities immediately.
