We have written several blogs about all of the problems with nursing homes in Tennessee…and the problems are too numerous to repeat here but suffice it to report the state suspended admissions to 21 nursing homes this year, up from 10 in 2006 and six in 2005. But now the story has taken an unusual twist!
Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen wants Health Department officials to better explain a recent spike in enforcement measures against nursing homes. The state is responsible for making annual inspections and for investigating complaints at nursing homes. The results are passed through to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which makes its own determinations about any punishments.
Sounds to me like someone should look into whether the nursing home industry has been making financial contributions to Governor Bredesen! What other explanation is there for the Governor taking sides with the industry?