ELYRIA — Altercare Inc., which operates as Northridge Nursing Home in North Ridgeville, on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against former Chief Operating Officer Lisa Marie Clark.

The suit contends that Clark mismanaged the facility, which resulted in adverse findings against it by government inspectors.

The lawsuit, filed in Lorain County Common Pleas Court, alleges breach of contract and seeks an undisclosed amount of damages, along with punitive damages of $500,000.

Clark was terminated March 26, although the nursing home continued to pay her salary until June 22, the suit stated.

The suit alleges that Clark terminated the facility’s relationship with a physician and his wound-care management practice, resulting in an “immediate jeopardy” citation at the facility.

The facility also was cited for a regulation violation because its activities staff was not certified, the lawsuit stated.

Therapy services were discontinued for most residents under Clark’s tenure, often in violation of the care plan developed by the medical team, according to the lawsuit.

There were 26 restorative therapy programs in March, when Clark was released; now, there are 98 restorative programs, the suit stated.

According to Ohio’s Long Term Care Consumer Guide, results of an April survey of Northridge found two “yes” responses in the category of “real and present danger” out of 43 health code regulations included in the survey.

The Department of Health and Human Services Web site listed 34 health deficiencies and 10 fire safety deficiencies.

Northridge, on Westminster Avenue, had three instances of “actual harm and/or immediate jeopardy” in June, stating that the facility needed to give residents proper treatment, give them care and services to keep the highest quality of life possible and set up or keep a group of people to review and ensure quality, according to the National Nursing Home Watch List.

Clark, of Northfield, could not be reached for comment, and a representative of the nursing home declined to comment.

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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