EBENSBURG, Pa. -- There was good news for Laurel Crest Wednesday. In a meeting with the Department Of Health, the county-run nursing home learned it can breath a sigh of relief, at least for now.

"We are very pleased with the report, the department has found Laurel Crest to be in substantial compliance in the problem areas," said county Commissioner P.J. Stevens.

The problem areas ranged from lack of staffing to procedural problems.

The Department Of Health has been thoroughly evaluating the facility for the past two days.

Its decision will allow Laurel Crest to again collect Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements from new admissions. However, it could be a while before there are any. According to county commissioners, no new admissions will be allowed into Laurel Crest until they are satisfied the recent improvements will stick.

As for the strides made so far, officials credit the hard-working nursing staff for the turnaround.

"When the Department Of Health made their rounds the first time, they told me they could feed the difference," said Janet Gerber of Gerber Consulting. "The staff are very willing participants. They've truly gone the extra mile and I'm extremely proud of them."

The next evaluation will be later in the summer to determine if Laurel Crest will get its regular operating license back. Officials said by increasing the staff and staying focused on their goals, they are confident it will be a success.