News

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published it's report on "Special Focus Facilities" which lists four Wisconsin state nursing homes.  Three of the four homes listed - Columbus, Middleton and Sun Prairie - are listed as having "shown improvement," according to the CMS rating system.

Although these Wisconsin facilities have shown improvement, they still received a number of health violations.  Middleton received 19 citations between May 2007 and July 31.  Willows nursing home received 5 and Columbus 10 during that same time span.

The nursing homes are listed for having more problems, serious problems and a pattern of serious problems.  In order to be removed from the list, they must show improvement for one year by passing two semiannual inspections and receive no serious citations.

Luther Home in Marinette is listed as "not improved."  The Luther home has been on the list for 44 months, tied for longest of any named.

Here are the other facilities named in the report and how long they've been on the CMS list:

Columbus Nursing & Rehabilitation - 14 mos.

Middleton Village & Nursing Rehabilitation - 9 mos.

Willows Nursing & Rehabilitation in Sun Prairie - 20 mos.

The CMS lists it's top concerns as the mishandling of medications, abuse and neglect, residents with bedsores and overuse of restraints.