Missouri ? The operators of a group home destroyed in a fatal fire recently were threatened with the loss of their state license to serve the mentally ill at two affiliated homes, The Associated Press has learned.

Inspectors cited repeated errors and confusion in providing medication to residents, poor hygiene, numerous communication lapses between administrators and staff, and an exposed electrical wire hanging from a building, according to Department of Mental Health documents.

To avoid closing a facility, Joplin River of Life Ministries Inc. entered into a consent agreement in September with the state allowing it to operate under probation until next April, so long as it proves the problems are being corrected.

The probation status applies to the Joplin Guest House III and Carl Junction Guest House.

Mental health records noted less serious patient care citations at the organization’s Anderson Guest House, where a fire early Monday killed nine of the 32 residents and one of the two staff members on duty.

State investigators have ruled out arson while pointing to improper electrical wiring in the attic as a potential cause, though they have not officially determined what sparked the fire.