State says Murfreesboro Rehab and Nursing License Revoked for Misconduct
On Wednesday, May 21, Southwest Arkansas Radio reported on the unexpected closure of Murfreesboro Rehab and Nursing in Murfreesboro.
All residents were transferred to other long-term care facilities in the region, including facilities located in Nashville, Dierks, Glenwood, Arkadelphia, and Texarkana.
Southwest Arkansas Radio also issued a correction regarding the ownership and administration of the facility. In a previous report, the owner and administrator was incorrectly identified as Sandra Tidwell. Her correct name is Sandra Barnett.
Barnett, a Murfreesboro resident, had her administrator’s license revoked by the Office of Long-Term Care within the Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance effective May 20. According to state officials, the revocation stemmed from findings of misconduct. An investigation conducted by the Office of Long-Term Care on May 7 determined that Barnett had committed misappropriation and abuse.
Barnett was further notified that the facility license for Murfreesboro Rehab and Nursing would be revoked effective May 31, or immediately upon the transfer of all residents.
According to the Office of Long-Term Care, a nursing home survey conducted during the week of May 4 resulted in the facility receiving an “immediate jeopardy” citation — one of the most serious violations issued in long-term care oversight.
As a result of the survey findings, the Department of Human Services appointed employee David Miller as temporary manager of the facility. State regulations allow residents to be transferred to other facilities when adequate resident care cannot be maintained in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents.
In a hand-delivered letter dated May 20, the Office of Long-Term Care stated that the facility’s license was revoked due to the severity and number of violations, continued non-compliance with nursing home regulations, and the facility’s insolvency. The letter stated the revocation was based on “conduct or practices detrimental to the health or safety of residents and employees.”
The letter further alleged the facility failed to protect residents from exploitation and failed to safeguard resident funds from misappropriation in four of the five resident cases reviewed during the investigation.
Investigators also cited significant administrative failures. A review of financial records reportedly showed that facility funds had been deposited into the administrator’s personal bank account.
In addition, the facility was found to have violated a resident’s rights after a resident’s mail was allegedly opened and a check deposited into a facility account without the resident’s knowledge or consent.
State investigators also determined the facility failed to properly report an alleged violation. Regulations require facilities to report allegations of abuse within 24 hours when no bodily injury occurs. Such allegations must be reported to the facility administrator and appropriate state oversight agencies, including the State Survey Agency.