Eger Health Care and Rehabilitation Center received 16 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on July 31, 2020. The facility also received a 2016 fine of $2,000 in connection to findings in a 2011 survey that it violated health code provisions regarding resident rights. The Staten Island nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of three surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not take adequate measures to prevent and control infection. Under Section 483.80 of the Federal Code, nursing homes are required to “establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment.” A February 2020 found that Eger Health Care and Rehabilitation Center failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that in several instances, nebulizer masks “were observed touching the wall and table without a plastic barrier.” An inspector also observed staff members in the rooms of residents on contact precautions, without wearing personal protective equipment. In an interview, a Registered Nurse said that “she did not realize there was a sign for precautions and that she was not familiar with the resident since she was a float nurse.” The facility’s Director of Nursing Staff said in another interview that “all staff must wear PPE as per ordered before entering the room.”
2. The facility did not follow food safety procedures. Section 483.60 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing home facilities must “store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional food standards.” A December 2016 citation found that Eger Health Care and Rehabilitation Center did not ensure such. An inspector specifically observed food boxes stored on the facility’s floor after delivery, as well as a “manual pot washing procedure” that did not comply with sanitizer concentration recommendations. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the placement of the boxes in questions on shelves, and the proper calibration of the sanitizing dispenser.
3. The nursing home did not adequately dispose of garbage. Section 483.60 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must “dispose of garbage and refuse properly.” A December 2016 citation found that Eger Health Care and Rehabilitation Center did not comply with this section. An inspector specifically observed that the facility’s trash compactor “was leaking,” and that a “small milky white puddle” had formed on its left and right sides, which were “emitting a foul odor.” The citation goes on to state that “the ground around the compactor was littered with latex gloves and cardboard,” and that in a subsequent observation the trash compactor’s door was open and leaking, with the surrounding area “littered with gloves,” bread, and plates. In an interview, the facility’s Director of Housekeeping “stated that she was not aware of a policy for the disposal of garbage or related to the maintenance of the compactor area.”
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.