East Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center received 16 citations for violations of public health code between 2017 and 2021, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on January 14, 2022. The Bronx nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of three inspections by state surveyors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not take adequate steps to prevent accidents. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must provide residents with “adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents.” A February 2020 citation found that East Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center failed to ensure such. The citation specifically states that after a resident receiving one-on-one supervision suffered a fall in her room, there was no investigation initiated. The citation goes on to state that the resident had suffered “3 or more falls” in the previous three months, and had been assessed as at high risk for falls. In an interview, the facility’s Assistant Director of Nursing said that an accident report indicated that “resident was found on the floor and not that the 1:1 aide assigned to the resident actually witnessed the fall,” despite the aide’s duty to “constantly” supervise and observe the resident. The ADNS added that he believed an investigation was conducted “but cannot provide any information as to how the resident was found on the floor when a 1:1 aide was scheduled to be watching her.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the education of the ADNS by the Director of Nursing.
2. The nursing home did not implement adequate infection prevention and control measures. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code states that nursing homes must “establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program” in order to prevent the development and transmission of disease. A February 220 citation found that East Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes the facility’s failure to ensure “proper hand washing technique between glove changes” during resident care, the maintenance of a sanitized barrier for supplies during catheter care, and the creation of a “a sanitary barrier for a resident’s wound during wound care,” 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 education of relevant staff.
3. The nursing home did not adequately implement food safety procedures. Under Section 483.60 of the Federal Code, nursing homes must “Store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.” A February 2020 citation found that East Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center failed to ensure such. The citation specifically states that cold sandwiches were not maintained at the correct temperature and kitchen staff did properly wash their hands. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the education of the facility’s food service director on his responsibility to ensure the availability of accurate thermometers, the maintenance of cold sandwiches between the proper temperatures, and the compliance of food service staff with hand washing procedures.
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.
