Company: No basis for detox center safety claims in Minnehaha Co.

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SIOUX FALLS (AP) — Former and current staffers who complained to a newspaper of sub-standard patient care and hygiene at a detoxification center in South Dakota never mentioned their concerns to administrators, according to the company that operates the facility.

The media reported Sunday that nurses and technicians said the Minnehaha County Detoxification Center does not maintain proper medical records, and is unclean and short-staffed. Correct Care Solutions told the newspaper the claims have no basis.

"We are working closely with the county to ensure services are meeting the county's expectations. Unfortunately, we cannot comment on current or past personnel issues but regret individuals would choose this avenue to make unsubstantiated claims," said in a statement to the media.

"CCS takes all patient care issues seriously and works to investigate any allegations of inappropriate behavior," the Nashville-based company said.

County commissioners were investigating the allegations.

"I think the first thing we need to do is contact the company and contact the Department of Social Services to do an inspection that's neutral," Commissioner Gerald Beninga said.

Correct Care Solutions said the detox center has never failed an inspection. Amy Iversen-Pollreisz, deputy secretary of social services, said the facility is subject to regular, scheduled site reviews and that the department has not been asked to make any additional inspections.

Commission Chairman Dick Kelly said Correct Care Solutions has a three-quarter-of-a-million-dollar contract to run the facility for Minnehaha County this year, and that he wants to meet with company officials.

"I think we have a right to talk with some people," Kelly said.

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