A Norman, Oklahoma nursing home had its certification terminated, which consequently forced it to shut down, according to NewsOK. This happened when it lost Medicare and Medicaid funding due to its failure to meet minimal state health regulations. On November 7, 2008, state health inspectors released a report citing Whispering Pines Nursing Center for failing to investigate resident allegations of abuse, and also endangering residents by failing to provide sexual protection to a sexually active HIV positive resident.
Of the nursing home’s 128 residents, not all were able to find permanent replacement homes, but all were relocated to temporary homes until a permanent nursing home is found. Twenty-five of the residents were not placed in permanent homes yet because of mental health concerns.
The licensed operator of Whispering Pines lost medicare and medicaid funding to another nursing home in the past few months. In that case more than 30 residents of the Northwest Nursing Center in Oklahoma City were transferred to other homes, however Northwest is still open for business.
If you believe that a member of your family has been abused or neglected, call Abels & Annes to consult with a Chicago nursing home lawyer now at (312) 924-7575.