Rockwood assisted living facility forced to close after bedbug, biohazard violations, order says
ROCKWOOD, Tenn. (WVLT) – An assisted living facility was forced to close by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission after it was found in violation of several state policies, like providing residences with biohazard waste removal and pest control, according to a state order obtained by WVLT News.
The order centers on Victorian Square Assisted Living, which is located on Chamberlain Avenue in Rockwood. According to the order, Victorian Square owed Rockwood Electric Utility $36,546.62 in unpaid bills by the end of February, meaning their electric services would be shut off at the end of March. The same was true for Victorian Square’s water and gas services, with the order claiming the facility owed the Rockwood Water, Sewer and Gas Board $35,985.44.
That’s not where the violations stop, however. The order also claims Victorian Square hadn’t paid for pest control services, adding that “there is currently bed bugs in several rooms in the facility.”
On top of that, the order claims that biohazard disposal had been discontinued for the same reason.
“All biohazard material is currently being stored in various places around the building,” the order states.
As for the facility’s residences, the order claims that as of March 5 Victorian Square hadn’t given any of the residences a notice to vacate, even though it was given a notice of default on Jan. 12 and the Chamberlin Memorial Board voted to issue a notice to vacate on Feb. 27. That notice is usually given 60 days in advance, but Victorian Square is being ordered, among other things, to move all residents by March 30, when utility services will be shut off.
Victorian Square’s license to operate was also summarily suspended and placed on probation, the order says. On top of moving everyone out, the facility also has to make sure residents get their medical history, equipment and anything else they might need.
WVLT News visited Victorian Square and was given the following statement:
It’s with great sadness after 25 years of service to the Roane County Community we are having to close the operations here at Victorian Square. This decision was arrived at over several days of meetings and conversations with those who are involved to ensure the well-being of you the residents and our staff. We found ourselves at a cross road and felt this is not the desired decision to be made, however it’s the best at this time. The decision is not based on the care of the residents, as Residents were being taking well care for. It was a strictly economic and financial situation.
The Facility will be working with the government agencies to help ensure a safe and appropriate transfer to other facilities of our Residents. If you have a question while we work thru this process, please do not hesitate to contact the facility at the number listed below. Thanks, you for allowing us to care for your loved ones and being a part of this community for the past 25 years, it’s our desire all of our residents find a great location to continued your care. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and your family.
The complete order is below:
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