Dialysis center's license suspended

Dialysis center's license suspended

Memphis Business Journal - 4:51 PM CDT Wednesday, June 6, 2007

by Toby Sells
Staff writer

The Tennessee Board of Licensing Health Care Facilities has suspended the license of the Memphis University Dialysis Center.

The center, located at 1391 Madison, cannot accept any new patients and will refer all existing patients in need of treatment to other practices, according to the suspension notice. Before the suspension, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services terminated Medicare coverage for the facility.

A Department of Health recertification survey in March found several problems at the end-stage renal dialysis center. The clinic was cited for several deficiencies and for immediate jeopardy because clinic staff failed to meet certain requirements.

Immediate jeopardy is a Medicare term that describes a crisis situation in which the health and safety of individuals or an individual is at risk. These situations can include failure to prevent from neglect or abuse or failure to give medications as prescribed.

A follow-up survey in April lifted the immediate jeopardy claim and the department scheduled a future survey. However, they received a complaint about the facility before that survey could be conducted. A complaint investigation was conducted and finished in May. Its findings concluded: Medications were not being administered by appropriate nursing staff and patient condition changes were not provided as ordered.

Surveyors concluded that failure by the nursing staff to provide patient care in accordance with facility policy, physician orders and state regulations resulted in a serious and immediate threat for potential vascular complications, hemorrhage and even death of patients. They also concluded that the deficiencies at the facility indicated problems that could not be cured by staff changes and training, and comprised a total systemic breakdown that required emergency action.

The Board will determine at a final hearing, which has yet to be scheduled, if the facility's license should be continued on suspension or revoked or whether other discipline is needed.

tsells@bizjournals.com | 259-1724