Two North Carolina nursing home residents were found dead and two more were hospitalized after a wellness check uncovered just three staff members caring for the facility's 98 residents, CBS affiliate WFMY News 2 reported Jan. 18.
State records show dozens of complaints against Pine Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Thomasville, N.C., and Medicare data shows the facility received three federal fines in the last three years.
The state health department's division of health service regulation is conducting an investigation into whether the facility was compliant with requirements. Davidson County District Attorney Gary Frank told WFMY News 2 it is too early to say whether criminal charges will be filed.
Principle LTC, the company that owns the facility, did not respond to requests for comment.
Pine Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center released a statement on Jan. 25, FOX8 reported. The center said the deaths were "medically unrelated" to the staff shortages caused by a winter storm.
"We are cooperating fully with state officials investigating this situation and taking meaningful steps to ensure that it does not happen again," the facility stated. "All of our residents are currently receiving the medical care and support they need."
Editor's note: The story was updated Jan. 25 to include a statement from the facility.