HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A state Superior court judge has appointed a receiver to manage four Haven Healthcare nursing homes until a buyer can be found.

The move comes days after a federal bankruptcy judge approved a plan to transfer most of the financially troubled chain's homes to new owners. The four remaining homes are located in Danielson, Windham, Norwich and Waterford.

The trustee, Phyllis A. Belmonte, will immediately take over management.

Middletown-based Haven Healthcare was one of the state's largest nursing home chains before it filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2007. It operates 27 facilities in five states, including 15 in Connecticut.

Officials are investigating whether the company misused millions of dollars in Medicaid funds, a claim the company denies.