The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has agreed to pay $80,000 and improve one of its skilled nursing facilities to settle allegations of poor resident care.
The settlement follows an investigation into care at St. Monica Center for Rehabilitation and Health Care in Philadelphia, which is run through the Archdiocese’s Catholic Health Group.
The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, reviewed selected procedures, policies and patient care records subpoenaed from St. Monica Center. The review began in 2013 following inquiries into conditions at the facility from residents’ families, Philly.com reported.
Specific allegations against St. Monica Center were not released, but the facility agreed to make improvements to physician orders, wound care, medication administration, documentation, and transfer and toileting of residents, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. The Archdiocese agreed to make resident care enhancements in addition to the $80,000.
In a statement to the Philadelphia Business Journal, The Archdiocese noted no liability was determined as part of the settlement, and that the review involved changes the facility “had already made or were in the process of implementing.”
“…the parties agreed to enter into a settlement and resolve all outstanding issues regarding these selected residents and provide documentation showing continued dedication to these changes and improvements at the facility for two subsequent years,” the Archdiocese said.
The settlement also includes an assisted living facility, St. Monica Manor, which was sold to for-profit management company Center Management Group in 2014. CMG has agreed to the terms of the settlement.
