News Summary
Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center is scheduled to close following multiple regulatory violations and a $1.5 million lawsuit over poor patient care. The facility failed to meet Medicare standards, faced documented neglect, and had a low 1-star rating. Families are concerned about the impact on residents, especially those with complex needs. The Virginia Department of Health is exploring options to keep the center operational, but the closure is imminent with patient transfers required by late September. The case highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining quality care at the facility.
Virginia Beach—Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center is set to close on October 5, 2023, following a series of regulatory violations and a significant lawsuit concerning improper patient care. The closure comes as a result of the facility’s failure to meet requirements established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
A lawsuit amounting to $1.5 million has been filed against the center regarding the care of a patient named Virginia Morrisette. The lawsuit alleges that the center breached care standards, resulting in serious injuries, ongoing pain, and substantial medical expenses incurred by Morrisette.
Morrisette had been admitted to the facility in February 2023 for treatment of a femur fracture sustained from a fall at home. According to the allegations, she was at high risk for developing pressure ulcers due to her limited mobility, and her care plan included several interventions designed to protect her skin. However, during her stay at Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center, Morrisette developed multiple pressure ulcers, which went untreated, leading to further complications.
After being discharged to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital following one month at the rehabilitation center, Morrisette was diagnosed with a stage IV sacral pressure ulcer, which led to an infection of the bone known as osteomyelitis. Inspection records indicate that the rehabilitation center faced issues related to inconsistent documentation and a failure to adhere to a prescribed turning schedule, contributing to the worsening of Morrisette’s skin conditions.
The CMS has cited the Princess Anne facility for not meeting Medicare’s basic health and safety standards. As a result, the center’s provider agreement was terminated on August 27 due to the identified violations. Since February 2023, the facility has been fined $1,060 per day for remaining out of compliance.
With the closure looming, families of residents have expressed significant concern over what this means for their loved ones who are currently receiving care at the center. Many families are now scrambling to find suitable alternative arrangements. While some families have reported positive experiences with the staff at the facility, the allegations of care deficiencies cannot be overlooked.
Particular apprehension has arisen about how relocation will affect patients, especially those with dementia and other complex needs. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reportedly exploring options that may allow the rehabilitation center to remain operational, although no definitive solution has been established as of now.
Moreover, inspection records have uncovered a pattern of inadequate supervision and neglect at the center, highlighting issues such as the mishandling of bedsores that led to some residents being hospitalized due to a lack of adequate care.
Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center has been officially classified as a low-quality facility, carrying a 1-star overall rating. Despite the concerning reports, state officials are suggesting that alternatives be considered to facilitate continued operations while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations necessary for patient care. There are ongoing discussions regarding the timely relocation of Medicare and Medicaid patients, with a deadline for patient transfers set for September 27, 2023.
The operational chain of the facility has faced scrutiny over the years, resulting in changes in management and oversight. The series of regulatory violations and subsequent lawsuit underscore significant challenges in maintaining a standard of care at Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center, leading to impending closure and frustrating the lives of many families affected.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Renovated Inmate Kitchen Enhances Rehabilitation Programs in Virginia Beach
Successful Conservation and Recreational Activities in the Adirondacks
New Clinic Supports Navy SEALs with Traumatic Brain Injuries
Virginia CMS Terminates Princess Anne Nursing Home’s Medicaid and Medicare Agreements
Federal Government Terminates Agreements with Nursing Home
Federal gov’t terminates Medicare and Medicaid agreements for Princess Anne Nursing Home
Lane Closures and Construction Projects in Lake Tahoe Region
Nebraska Begins Construction of New 1,512-Bed Prison in Lincoln
Additional Resources
- WTKR: Lawsuit Filed Against Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center Amid Closure
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- 13News Now: Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center Closure
- Google Search: Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center
- WTVR: Update on Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- Wavy: Sentara Princess Anne Hospital Offering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Google News: Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center closure
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
