RALEIGH — Update as of April 1, 1999:The state Division of Facility Services re-issued a full license to Manorhouse on April 1, 1997, and inspections since that date have shown Manorhouse to be in compliance with state regulations.

Manorhouse Personal Care Retirement Center, regarded as one of the city's more up-scale facilities, has been ordered to accept no new residents. The Division of Facility Services says the facility is not taking adequate care of people already under its roof.

The state alleges Manorhouse has failed to follow doctors' orders concerning food and drugs needed by residents, and that it has put bed-bound patients at risk by not moving them regularly, which raises the possibility of painful bedsores and serious complications. The state also alleges that Manorhouse did not keep complete records.

The state agency has downgraded Manorhouse's license, acting on complaints from Wake County Social Services workers. Inspectors found shortcomings back in August, and sent in a nutritionist and pharmacist to help management improve services.

When the problems persisted, punitive action was taken.

"We take this kind of action when we detect a direct threat to the health, safety and welfare of residents," said Ellen Walls, an assistant section chief with the state's group care office.

Manorhouse, at the corner of Wade Avenue and Dixie Trail, opened in 1991. It had been licensed to operate 124 beds.