Cortlandt Healthcare received 37 citations for violations of public health code between 2018 and 2022, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on June 3, 2022. The Peekskill nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of six inspections by state surveyors. The violations they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not take adequate steps to prevent accidents. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to provide residents with adequate supervision to prevent them from sustaining accidents and eloping from the facility. A June 2021 citation found that Cortlandt Healthcare failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an instance in which a resident identified as at risk for elopement, and who had a Wanderguard device in place, “successfully eloped” from the facility by exiting “through an open, unlocked loading dock curtain door.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the placement of the resident on one-to-one supervision, the locking of the door in question, and the education of nursing staff.
2. The nursing home did not provide adequate pressure ulcer care. Under Section 483.25 of the Federal Code, nursing home facilities must ensure residents receive appropriate care to promote the healing of pressure ulcers and to prevent the development of new ulcers. An October 2020 citation found that Cortlandt Healthcare failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes a resident whose “bilateral heel booties were not applied at all times as per physician orders.” In an interview, a Certified Nursing Assistant said that “he had taken a bootie off the resident before breakfast,” and that he was unsure whether the resident was required to wear them. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of nursing staff on the facility’s protective devices policy.
3. The nursing home did not employ adequate infection prevention and control practices. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must establish and maintain “an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment.” An October 2020 citation found that Cortlandt Healthcare failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an instance in which a Licensed Practical Nurse failed to complete proper hand hygiene while caring for a resident’s pressure ulcer. It goes on to state that while caring for the resident’s wound, the LPN “washed her hands, donned gloves and removed the dressing from the right heel,” then cleaned the resident’s heel wound “[w]ithout doffing the gloves and performing hand hygiene.” In an interview, the LPN said “she was nervous and thought she had washed her hands after removing the soiled dressing.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of nursing staff on hand-washing standards.
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.
