Federal Decertification of Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center
- Peter Anderson
- Sep 9
- 6 min read
In an extremely rare move that highlights the severity of systemic failures in Virginia's nursing home industry, the federal government has terminated the Medicare and Medicaid provider agreements for Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia Beach. This unprecedented action serves as a stark reminder that nursing home negligence can escalate to life-threatening levels when facilities fail to meet basic health and safety standards.
The Princess Anne Case: When Federal Intervention Becomes Necessary
Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia Beach was served with a notice that, as of August 27, its Medicare and Medicaid provider agreements are terminated, marking the first time in at least the last three years that a Virginia nursing home has become federally decertified.
The Shocking Pattern of Negligence
The inspection reports from Princess Anne reveal a disturbing pattern of inadequate supervision and care that put vulnerable residents at serious risk:
Resident Found Bleeding Profusely- In February, the facility was cited for inadequate supervision after inspectors said a resident was found by a family member alone in her room "bleeding profusely" with "blood-soaked" clothes in the sink after falling and sustaining a "significant injury". Even more alarming, the resident had eloped, but staff didn't know, reportedly did not provide any care or treatment, and did not immediately call emergency services.
Resident Found Injured on Hot Asphalt- In another instance of inadequate supervision, inspectors said a family member found a different resident bruised and lying on the hot asphalt on the side of the road outside of the facility. He sustained a "severe head injury".
Severe Injuries from Falls- During an August investigation, inspectors said the facility again failed to supervise a high fall risk resident who fell and became "severely injured," unresponsive, and required hospitalization in the ICU. Despite the severity of the situation, a nurse only gave her Tylenol and did not immediately transfer her to an emergency room.
Understanding Virginia's Nursing Home Crisis
The Princess Anne case is not an isolated incident. Princess Anne has an overall 1-star quality rating from Medicare, and ownership is currently listed under the Lifeworks Rehab chain. More concerning, under the same portfolio are several nursing homes in Central Virginia that have recently experienced serious quality issues including Colonial Heights, Henrico, Westport, Parham, and Glenburnie. All facilities have 1-star overall quality ratings.
Staffing Shortages and Their Deadly Consequences
The Princess Anne reports revealed how chronic understaffing directly endangers residents. Nurse aides told inspectors "they often were unable to turn and reposition residents every two hours due to staffing shortages" and "sometimes did not feel good about the care they provided because they did not have enough help".
This staffing crisis contributed to preventable injuries, including an incident where the facility failed to provide two staff members necessary for providing hygiene care to a resident. That caused a nurse aide to roll the resident off the bed, resulting in injuries requiring hospitalization.
Red Flags Every Virginia Family Should Recognize
The Princess Anne case illustrates critical warning signs that families must watch for:
Immediate Danger Signs
Unexplained serious injuries requiring hospitalization
Evidence of falls without proper medical response
Residents found in dangerous locations outside the facility
Blood-soaked clothing or bedding left unattended
Staff reluctance to speak with visitors or inspector
Systemic Problems to Investigate
Multiple 1-star quality ratings from Medicare
High staff turnover or chronic understaffing
Delayed or inadequate medical care
Missing documentation for wound care or medications
Administrators threatening staff not to report problems
Understanding Federal Decertification
When a nursing home loses federal certification, it means the facility's "failure to meet Medicare's basic health and safety requirements" was so severe that continued operation posed an unacceptable risk to residents. This level of negligence often constitutes grounds for significant legal action.
Legal Authority for Federal Decertification
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) derives its authority to terminate provider agreements from the Social Security Act, specifically Section 1866 for Medicare and Section 1902 for Medicaid programs. Under these federal statutes, CMS has the responsibility to ensure that nursing homes receiving government funding comply with the Conditions of Participation established in 42 CFR Part 483. When facilities fail to meet these federal health and safety standards, CMS is legally empowered to impose sanctions ranging from monetary penalties to the ultimate remedy of terminating the provider agreement entirely. The Virginia Department of Health performs inspections and complaint investigations on behalf of CMS under a state survey agency agreement, but the final authority to decertify facilities rests with the federal government.
This federal oversight system exists because nursing homes that accept Medicare and Medicaid funding are essentially contracting with the federal government to provide care that meets established standards. When Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center repeatedly failed to correct serious violations that put residents in immediate jeopardy, CMS exercised its statutory authority to protect vulnerable residents by severing the financial relationship that enables the facility to operate. This action demonstrates that while nursing homes are licensed by states, facilities accepting federal funding must answer to federal authorities when they endanger the health and safety of residents through systemic negligence and inadequate care.
What Decertification Means for Residents and Families
All current Medicare and Medicaid residents will need to be transferred to other facilities over the next 30 days. However, the trauma, injuries, and suffering that occurred before this action may warrant substantial compensation for affected families.
Taking Action: A Step-by-Step Guide for Virginia Families; Immediate Steps if You Suspect Serious Negligence
Document Everything Immediately
Photograph injuries and unsafe conditions
Request copies of all medical records
Keep detailed notes of conversations with staff
Preserve any physical evidence
Report to Multiple Agencies
Virginia Department of Health: 1-800-955-1819
Adult Protective Services: (888) 832-3858
Virginia Ombudsman Program: 1-800-552-3402
Seek Medical Attention
Have your loved one evaluated by independent medical professionals
Obtain copies of all new medical records and diagnoses
Follow up on any recommended treatments
When Federal Intervention Signals Legal Action
The Princess Anne case demonstrates that some nursing home failures are so severe they warrant federal intervention. If your loved one suffered harm in a facility that:
Has been federally decertified or sanctioned
Shows patterns of repeat violations
Has ownership with multiple problem facilities
Staff members fear speaking about conditions
You should immediately consult with an experienced Virginia nursing home negligence attorney.
Current Virginia Regulatory Landscape and State Oversight Challenges
The Princess Anne case highlights gaps in Virginia's regulatory oversight. State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton has previously told lawmakers that VDH does not have authority to collect important information from companies applying for nursing home ownership, such as their regulatory history running other facilities or past lawsuits.
Recent Federal Staffing Requirements
New federal regulations require Virginia nursing homes to maintain specific staffing levels, but the Princess Anne case shows these requirements mean little without proper enforcement and oversight.
Research Facility Ownership and History
Before choosing a nursing home, investigate:
Medicare star ratings and inspection history
Corporate ownership and their other facilities
Recent enforcement actions or sanctions
Staff turnover rates and hiring practices
Stay Vigilant During Care
Visit frequently and at unexpected times
Build relationships with direct care staff
Monitor your loved one's physical and emotional condition
Trust your instincts if something seems wrong
Know When to Take Legal Action
The Princess Anne case shows that some nursing home negligence rises to the level of serious endangerment. Don't wait for federal intervention to protect your loved one's rights.
The Cost of Negligence: Why Legal Action Matters
Cases like Princess Anne demonstrate that nursing home negligence can result in:
Life-threatening injuries requiring ICU care
Preventable fractures and head injuries
Psychological trauma from abandonment and neglect
Additional medical expenses and suffering
Legal action not only provides compensation for these harms but also holds facilities accountable and helps prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion: Your Loved One's Safety Cannot Wait
The federal decertification of Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation Center represents a complete breakdown of the systems meant to protect Virginia's most vulnerable residents. While this extreme action may have prevented further harm, it came only after residents suffered serious injuries that could have been prevented with proper care. If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home negligence in Virginia, don't wait for federal intervention. Contact an experienced nursing home negligence attorney immediately to protect your family's rights and hold negligent facilities accountable. The Princess Anne case serves as a sobering reminder: when nursing homes fail to provide basic safety and care, the consequences can be devastating. Your loved one deserves better, and Virginia law provides the tools to ensure they receive it.
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