North Carolina nursing homes face Medicare termination due to patient abuse allegations

Universal Healthcare North Raleigh (N.C.) and Universal Healthcare Lillington (N.C.) are both at risk of losing their Medicare certification amid allegations of patient abuse, according to WRAL.

State inspectors investigated the North Raleigh facility after  a relative set up a hidden camera in their loved one's room. On camera, the patient, recovering from a stroke, fell out of bed and did not receive help until an hour later, where a staff member scolded the patient. Inspectors substantiated the abuse claims. Universal Healthcare fired the staffers involved in the situation and required additional training for other employees.

After the state inspection, CMS ruled the North Raleigh facility was not properly following federal regulations for nursing homes. The facility must meet compliance standards by October 15 to maintain eligibility for Medicare reimbursement.

Universal Healthcare Lillington faces similar threats from the CMS, after a family member showed recorded proof their mother received improper care Lillington remains out of compliance with Medicare regulations. The facility, which will not be allowed to accept new Medicare patients as of July 12, must meet compliance by Dec. 8 to avoid termination of its Medicare contract.

"Our top priority is and always has been delivering the best care to our patients, for we have no greater responsibility than the safety and well being of those who are entrusted to us," Loie Leopardi, executive direct of Choice Health Management Services, the nursing homes' operator,  told WRAL. "Our team has worked diligently to make the corrections identified by the state following the last inspection, further enhancing our facilities and services. We are confident that our efforts have improved the quality of life for those we care for."

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