KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

September 19, 1997

Contact: Don Brown, 785-296-1529

Bethphage Mission of the Great Plains Fined $1,200

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an order assessing a $1,200 civil penalty against Bethphage Mission of the Great Plains, 102 E. Second St., Ellsworth, for violating state nursing home regulations.

KDHE staff inspected the facility on July 1-2 and determined the facility failed to meet standards for physical environment and complete construction. The department determined the violation resulted in, caused, or posed serious physical harm to a resident.

State law authorizes the department to issue civil penalties following an inspection if the violations result in, cause or pose serious physical harm to a resident. In the absence of those circumstances, the department issues a fine if it determines the facility in question failed to correct the violations prior to a follow-up inspection.

The order is subject to appeal to the Secretary of Health and Environment.