Attorney General's News Release

September 15, 1999

Nixon obtains emergency court order to protect residents of three Farmington nursing homes

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today obtained an emergency court order to protect the residents of three Farmington nursing homes after the Missouri Division of Aging learned yesterday that the operator, Henry Enterprises Inc., would not be able to meet the payroll. The order from the St. Francois County Circuit Court appoints Bruce Harris of Farmington as receiver for Carriage Manor Care Center, Columbia Manor and Easter's Care Center.

Nixon asked the court to appoint a receiver because of concerns that the employees of the nursing homes might walk out if not paid, leaving approximately 81 nursing home residents without staff to supervise and care for them.

"It was imperative that a court-appointed receiver be in place to ensure the safety of the residents," Nixon said. "Their well-being should not be endangered because of the financial difficulties of the operator."

Henry Enterprises was ordered to provide accounting records to Harris and to not dispose of any facility assets. As receiver, Harris will have authority over all of Henry's bank accounts and can audit its records related to its operation of the nursing homes.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818