5 Georgia Nursing Homes Receive CMS Abuse Icon
Meagan Cline. Author
In November 2019, our post titled “Nursing Home Compare Now Includes User-Friendly Icons” provided information about new icons on the Nursing Home Compare tool. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) added the icons so that users can easily identify nursing homes with a history of elder abuse, neglect and other problems.
Now, media outlets in several states are publishing the names of nursing homes that have the icons next to their name. In November 2019, Georgia Health News published the names of five nursing homes that have the CMS abuse icon. These homes are a fraction of the estimated five percent of all nursing homes in the United States that have the red icon.
Georgia Nursing Homes with Abuse Icon Identified
The five Georgia nursing homes that have the red hand icon next to their name on the Nursing Home Compare tool are:
PruittHealth – Fitzgerald, GA
PruittHealth has an overall rating of “Much Below Average.” Problem areas include:
- Health inspection
- Staffing
- Quality measures
In the past three years, PruittHealth has paid two federal fines totaling more than $23,000. This facility has received two fire safety citations, and 14 health-related citations. The health-related citations are particularly concerning since the state average is four. This facility ranks much below average in terms of staffing with a one-star rating.
PruittHealth – Jasper, GA
PruittHealth in Jasper has an overall rating of “Below Average.” The primary problem area at this facility is health inspection ratings, which are below average. The facility has received five health-related citations. It has also received five fire safety citations. This facility ranks average in terms of staffing with a three star rating.
Cherry Blossom Health and Rehabilitation – Macon, GA
Cherry Blossom Health and Rehabilitation has an overall rating of “Much Below Average.” The problem areas are:
- Health inspection
- Staffing
In the past three years, Cherry Blossom has paid one federal fine of $13,905. The facility has received 10 health-related citations and three complaints. In terms of staffing, Cherry Blossom has one star and is considered much below average.
Fountain Blue Rehab and Nursing – Macon, GA
Fountain Blue Rehab and Nursing has an overall rating of “Much Below Average.” The problem areas are:
- Health inspection
- Staffing
- Quality measures
In the past three years, Fountain Blue has paid one federal fine totaling $16,400. The facility has received 18 health-related citations and four fire safety citations. It has received 11 complaints. In terms of staffing, Fountain Blue has one star and is much below average.
Northridge Health and Rehabilitation – Commerce, GA
Northridge Health and Rehabilitation has an overall rating of “Much Below Average.” The problem areas include:
- Health inspection
- Staffing
In the past three years, Northridge has paid two federal fines totaling more than $150,000. The facility has received five health-related citations and five fire safety citations. It has received two complaints. In terms of staffing, Northridge has only one star and is much below average.
A Review of the CMS Abuse Icons for Nursing Homes
All five of these Georgia facilities rank below average in terms of quality, safety and health inspection ratings. Just this overview does not fully address the problems, however. The red icon located next to the name of each facility indicates that investigators have evidence of abuse causing harm to a resident within the past year.
Nursing home safety advocates are in favor of the icons because they provide a clear indication of problems, which consumers might otherwise not be aware of. The nursing home industry, on the other hand, feels that the icons are misleading and may damage the reputation of the facility.
Unfortunately, the red icon does not mean that there are details about abuse claims. While it helps consumers stop and take notice of a potential problem at a facility, it does not provide additional transparency in terms of why the facility has the icon. Consumers should take the opportunity to ask questions about facilities with a red icon.
The Georgia Health Care Association also urges families to visit prospective facilities before making a decision about long-term care. Yes, the icon can help you identify facilities with a problematic history, but the best way to gauge if a facility is right for you is to visit.
Get Help Understanding Abuse in Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse happens in a wide variety of ways. There is no one action that defines abuse, but rather there are a multitude of actions and inactions that may constitute abuse. It is important to remember this when you see the red CMS icon. The abuse claim may involve:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Neglect
Any of these types of abuse are serious and can have a devastating impact on nursing home residents.
If you are concerned about nursing home abuse or have questions about abuse, neglect or getting help, Nursing Home Abuse Center is here to help. Our nursing home abuse lawyer can help you understand the rights of nursing home residents and what steps you can take to get help if you suspect abuse is occurring.
To contact Nursing Home Abuse Center, you can call us at 1-888-548-9636.
Source:
Meagan Cline is a professional legal researcher and writer. She lends her expertise to FNHA and our websites, including Birth Injury Guide and MedMalFirm.com.