In March, the Department of Health fined Brooklyn nursing home Lutheran Augustana Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation $20,000. The fine is the result of multiple certification surveys finding the facility deficient in recent years. The fine report does not specify which specific incidents led to the monetary penalty.
Among the deficiencies noted by the DOH in the surveys prior to the fine was a failure to provide sufficient fluid intake. A resident was noted to have poor appetite and needed additional fluids. The notes indicate that the staff was to encourage her to take additional fluids, however the facility did not consistently document the amount of fluids consumed by the resident. She also had several incidents of vomiting throughout the period in question. These incidents were not consistently reported to the Nursing Supervisor or doctor.
Lutheran Augustana also failed to establish and maintain a satisfactory infection control program. It did not ensure that oxygen masks and nasal cannulas were properly stored and maintained when not in use. The oxygen masks were not covered properly. On one occasion, an oxygen cannula was observed lying on the floor. Keeping these devices in this manner, when they are to be used later in close contact with mouths and faces, could lead to the spread of germs, bacteria, and infection.
The various reports on Lutheran Augustana prior to the announcement of the fine on March 12 can be found here.
