SBI investigates Britthaven of Chapel Hill

The death of a resident at a nursing home operated by Kinston-based Britthaven has sparked an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation and the Medicaid Investigations Unit of the Attorney General’s Office.

N.C. Department of Justice spokeswoman Jennifer Canada said this week that the state agencies would continue to investigate an incident at Britthaven of Chapel Hill, but would not comment on the investigation itself.

WRAL-TV in Raleigh has reported nine Alzheimer’s patients at the nursing home recently tested positive for strong pain-control medications that they weren’t prescribed, and one of the patients later died.

Britthaven President Randy Uzzell answered questions for The Free Press via e–mail this week regarding the investigation of the Chapel Hill facility.

 “We took the lead in immediately notifying all appropriate regulatory and law enforcement agencies and in taking the steps necessary to protect our residents,” Uzzell said. “We welcome their involvement in determining how this incident occurred and continue to fully cooperate with the agencies reviewing the situation. We are anxious to determine exactly what occurred and identify who is responsible.”

Britthaven, headquartered in Kinston, operates 33 nursing homes across the state.

Uzzell said the Britthaven of Kinston facility was not under investigation.

“To my knowledge, there is only one investigation being conducted at the (Chapel Hill) facility and SBI agents assigned to Medicaid Investigations Unit of the N.C. Department of Justice are leading it,” Uzzell stated. “It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any of the details of the investigation.”

Britthaven also has come under scrutiny for its financial contributions to political campaigns in recent years, thanks in large part to the efforts of Bob Hall, executive director of Democracy North Carolina.

“Britthaven is a very active political player and donates equally to Republicans and Democrats,” Hall said. “They are the largest rest home operator in the state. We want to raise public awareness of Britthaven’s ability to influence policy at the state level.”

Hall said Britthaven typically operates on a shoestring budget and doesn’t want to see the patient-to-staff ratio increased because it would increase operating costs.

“People wind up getting the wrong medications and are drugged up,” Hall said. “They end up not having adequate staff to care for patients.”

Uzzell defended Britthaven’s political activity.

“I admit to being politically active, at least in terms of contributing to candidates,” Uzzell stated. “I hope my involvement helps qualified candidates present a clear message to the voters, allowing an informed choice.”

According to WRAL, Britthaven employees and Britthaven’s parent company, Hillco, gave more than $175,000 to state political candidates during the 2004 and 2008 elections. The donations went to Republican and Democratic candidates equally.

Chris Lavender can be reached at 252-559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.