Highland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center received 26 citations for violations of public health code between 2017 and 2021, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on October 22, 2021. The Middletown nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of two surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not deliver adequate pressure ulcer care and prevention measures. Under Section 483.25 of the Federal Code, nursing homes must ensure residents receive necessary treatment and services to prevent the development of pressure ulcers unless they are medically unavoidable. A January 2020 citation found that Highland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that the nursing home failed to establish and perform interventions tailored to one resident’s particular circumstances to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. It goes on to state that in connection to a second resident, the nursing home failed to ensure the use of heel booties to promote the healing of pressure ulcers and prevention of further ulcers from developing. The citation states that these deficiencies, while isolated, had the “potential to cause more than minimal harm.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the in-servicing of residents and the updating of the first resident’s care plan.
2. The nursing home did not employ adequate measures to prevent infection. Under Section 483.80 of the Federal Code, nursing homes must establish an infection prevention and control program and ensure its implementation by staff. A January 2020 citation found that Highland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes the failure by the facility’s nursing staff to follow “proper hand hygiene to prevent cross contamination and the spread of infection” in connection to two residents with pressure ulcers. In one instance, a licensed practical nurse failed to follow proper hand hygiene while performing a resident’s wound treatment, for instance cleansing a resident’s wound while using soiled gloves. In a second instance, a second LPN failed to perform proper hand hygiene while caring for a pressure wound. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the in-servicing of nursing staff.
3. The nursing home did not ensure the promotion of resident rights. Section 483.10 of the Federal Code provides nursing home residents the right “to a dignified existence” and requires nursing homes to “treat each resident with respect and dignity.” A January 2020 citation found that Highland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that the facility failed to ensure the maintenance of a resident’s dignity during a wound care procedure. It goes on to describe an instance in which a nurse failed to close a privacy curtain and “left the resident with her lower body/wound site and thighs/legs exposed to staff and visitors in the room or at the door while she left the room to obtain supplies.” In an interview, the nurse “acknowledged her errors” while stating she was not aware she exposed the resident. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the education of the nurse in question.
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.
