For Release:
  December 18, 2002

Clifton R. Lacy, M.D.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Donna Leusner
(609) 984-7160

New Jersey's Department of Health and Senior Services has issued Bancroft NeuroHealth Inc., a Haddonfield residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities, a January 2, 2003 deadline to comply with its plan of correction for violations found at the facility during several inspections conducted in 2002.

Over the past year, a number of deficiencies were discovered during initial and follow-up inspections conducted by the Department of Human Services. In addition, the Department of Health and Senior Services, which licenses Bancroft, has levied more than $130,000 in fines for violations.

After conducting the inspections, the Department of Human Services asked the Bancroft administration for a corrective action plan and the Department of Human Services has been providing technical assistance to the facility to help it come into full compliance. However, despite Bancroft's efforts and some improvements, as of today, the facility continues to be out of compliance with Department of Human Services regulations.

If Bancroft is not in compliance by January 2, 2003, the Department of Health and Senior Services will file an application for receivership with the New Jersey Superior Court. Under receivership, Bancroft NeuroHealth would be operated by an independent party appointed by the court.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services is responsible for inspection of the facility; the Department of Health and Senior Services is responsible for licensing and enforcement.

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