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Ohio Attorney General DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Move to Close Zanesville Nursing Home

6/6/2013

(ZANESVILLE, Ohio) -- Today Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Theodore Wymyslo, M.D., announced that they are working to close a nursing home in Zanesville.

The move to revoke Autumn Healthcare of Zanesville's license comes after a covert investigation by the Attorney General's Office found evidence of suspected patient neglect. Multiple ODH inspections also revealed ongoing patterns of substandard care at the 100-bed facility.

Autumn Healthcare of Zanesville 's license will be terminated in 60 days.

"In January, I reached out to the Ohio Department of Health to come up with a plan on how we could work together to aggressively go after nursing homes whose employees are providing inadequate care," said Attorney General DeWine.  "It is important to point out that there are many good nursing homes in Ohio that provide excellent care.   We are putting those that don't on notice that we are not afraid to take action."

ODH has recommended that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also cease Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement to the facility.

"It is crucial that we ensure that Ohio's long-term care residents are getting the outstanding care they deserve," said Ohio Department of Health Director Theodore Wymyslo, M.D. "We are pleased that the Ohio Attorney General is a committed partner in making sure nursing homes are protecting the health and safety of Ohioans."

Agents with the Attorney General's Health Care Fraud Section began investigating the nursing home after the state received several complaints from family members of patients. The facility has also been on the CMS's "Special Focus Facilities" list for the past 53 months.  The list identifies nursing homes with a history of serious quality problems.

After receiving permission from the families involved in the investigation, agents installed hidden surveillance cameras in multiple patients' rooms. The video revealed instances where some staff members did not provide proper medical, nutritional, and personal care to at least one patient. Those staff members also allegedly falsified documents to make it appear as if proper treatment was being provided.

After turning those findings over to the ODH, an inspection by ODH further revealed violations in infection control, treatment and care, food and nutrition, and resident rights.

Relocation teams from ODH and the Ohio Department of Aging will assist current Autumn Healthcare of Zanesville patients and their families with the relocation process and ensure that proper care is provided to patients prior to the closing.

The Attorney General's criminal investigation into alleged patient neglect is ongoing.

Anyone who suspects Medicaid fraud or patient neglect can contact Attorney General DeWine's Office at 800-282-0515.

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Media Contacts

Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840
Tessie Pollock, Ohio Dept. of Health: 614-644-8562

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