The South Dakota Department of Health has issued a statement saying it supports the efforts of a company hired to take over operation of 18 nursing homes and one assisted living center in the state that were in danger of having utilities shut off or running out of food and supplies.
On April 30, the owners of the properties operated by Skyline Healthcare (also known as Cottonwood Healthcare), filed legal action in the Hughes County Circuit Court to appoint a receiver to run the facilities after New Jersey based Skyline Healthcare failed to pay bills, putting residents at risk. The court appointed Black Hills Receiver, LLC, to take control of operations on May 1.
Divisional vice president in charge of Skyline facilities in South Dakota Debbie Menzenberg told the South Dakota Department of Health this week that residents at Skyline facilities are at risk.
Wanda Prince is the President of Black Hills Receiver, LLC. Price is a registered nurse with over 25 years experience providing clinical and operational support to nursing facility operators. She has provided support to other skilled nursing facilities in the past and is gathering a team of experienced leaders to assist with the goal of continuity of care for the patients.
The state health department says it’s committed to ensuring residents of these facilities continue to receive needed services and that the staff are supported in their efforts.
Affected facilities are located in Pierre, Mobridge, Ipswich, Arlington, Armour, Rapid City, Clark, Sioux Falls, Groton, Lake Norden, Madison, Milbank, Redfield, Salem and Watertown.