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Hilaire Rehab & Nursing received 60 citations for violations of public health code between 2018 and 2022, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on May 6, 2022. The Huntington nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of four inspections by state surveyors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not undertake adequate infection control measures. Under Section 483.80 of the Federal Code, nursing homes must endeavor to prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases by creating and maintaining an infection prevention and control program. A February 2022 citation found that Hilaire Rehab & Nursing failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an instance in which a licensed practical nurse placed a blood pressure cuff on three residents’ bare arms “without sanitizing the blood pressure cuff between the residents.” In an interview, the LPN “acknowledged [t]hat they… did not sanitize the blood pressure cuff between use” and further that “they should have sanitized the blood pressure cuff after each use.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the education of nurses on proper infection control procedures.
2. The nursing home did not adequately protect resident drug regimens from unnecessary medications, including unnecessary psychotropic medications. Section 483.45 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to keep resident drug regimens free from medications that affect “brain activities associated with mental processes and behavior,” except for specific conditions as diagnosed, mandating further that for residents receiving these drugs, nursing homes attempt gradual dose reductions to discontinue their use. A November 2019 citation found that Hilaire Rehab & Nursing failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that a resident was administered an antipsychotic medication twice a day in the absence of any documented evidence “that an approved indication, medical assessment and supportive documentation was completed to address the continued use of the antipsychotic medication.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the implementation of a gradual dose reduction and discontinuation of the medication.
3. The nursing home did not adequately meet sanitation and comfort standards. Section 483.90 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes “provide a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for residents, staff and the public.” A November 2019 citation found that Hilaire Rehab & Nursing failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an instance in which a unit’s biohazard room “was observed unlocked,” and its water fountain and public phone were found to be non-functional. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the removal of tissue paper from the biohazard room’s door lock, “enabling [it] to be locked,” and the removal of the non-functional water fountain and telephone.
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.
