Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center experienced 15 deaths from Covid-19 as of June 8, 2020, per state records. The nursing home also received 24 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, including one for infection prevention and control procedures, according to health records accessed on June 9, 2020. The Staten Island nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of three surveys by state inspectors. The violations they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not adequately maintain infection prevention and control policies. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to establish and maintain an infection control program “designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.” A January 2020 citation found that Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center did not ensure such. The citation states specifically that oxygen tubing connected to residents’ nares was in several instances observed touching the facility’s floor. The citation goes on to state that “this was evident” for three residents. It notes that facility policy provided for the changing of oxygen tubing found on the floor. In an interview, a Certified Nursing Assistant said that “oxygen tubing should not be on the floor.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the changing of two residents’ tubing two a shorter length.
2. The facility did not store and label drugs properly. Section 483.35 of the Federal Code states that drugs and biologicals used in a nursing home facility “must be labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles, and include the appropriate accessory and cautionary instructions.” A January 2020 citation found that Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center did not ensure such. The citation states specifically that an injection bag and safety needle for a certain medication was not discarded after the manufacturer’s expiration date, and that a tear drop medication “was not dated when opened.” The citation states that these deficiencies had the “potential to cause more than minimal harm.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the discarding of the items in question.
3. The nursing home did not follow fire safety protocols. Section 101 of the Life Safety Code requires nursing homes to conduct fire drills “at expected and unexpected times under varying conditions, at least quarterly on each shift.” An April 2018 citation found that Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center did not ensure the completion of fire drills “at unexpected times on 1 of 3 shifts for the past 12 months.” It states specifically that the nursing home did not conduct night shift fire drills at varying times for all four quarters. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the enlisting of a fire drill consulting firm to review the facility’s practices and prepare a plan for future drills.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC work diligently to protect the rights of nursing home residents. Please contact us to discuss in the event you have a potential case involving neglect or abuse.
