AUDIT UNCOVERS MASSIVE DELAYS IN NURSING HOME COMPLAINT INVESTIGATIONS
A state audit by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office revealed that the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission failed to investigate 42% of complaints—5,534 out of 13,096—against nursing homes and assisted living facilities within federal timelines from July 2022 to April 2025, with delays ranging from days to over five years.
The issues stemmed from inheriting a massive backlog upon taking over duties from the Department of Health in 2022, exacerbated by a surge in public filings after federal changes. Presented to lawmakers, the findings drew strong concern, with Sen. Charlane Oliver expressing disappointment over impacts on elderly residents’ welfare and Rep. Ronnie Glynn probing awareness of the problem, which executive director Logan Grant confirmed existed from day one.
The commission reported progress in reducing the backlog and filling surveyor vacancies but requested additional budgeted positions to accelerate efforts. Facing dissolution in December 2026, lawmakers voted to recommend a four-year extension via a sunset bill in the 2026 session, contingent on demonstrated improvements, as emphasized by Rep. John Crawford’s warning that failure to resolve the issue would demand accountability to constituents.
