Health Agency Orders Townsend Nursing Home Closed

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — State health officials have ordered a Townsend nursing home to close and relocate its residents after finding "serious deficiencies" last month.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services notified the Broadwater County Health Center nursing home Tuesday that its license was being revoked as of Saturday.

The June 12 findings are in an 80-page list of deficiencies. They include employees failing to notify the attending physician when residents had elevated blood pressure, missed doses of medications, had low heart rates and once, a choking incident.

Tuesday's notification says the nursing home's attempt to comply with regulations has been unsuccessful.

The Independent Record reports that the home has about 30 residents.

Chairwoman Joni Carlson says some residents may be relocated to a Helena nursing home.