Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation received 26 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on April 3, 2020. The facility has also received three fines: a 2019 fine of $10,000 in connection to findings in a 2019 inspection that it violated unspecified health code provisions; a 2019 fine of $10,000 in connection to findings in a 2018 inspection that it violated unspecified health code provisions; and a 2016 fine of $12,000 in connection to findings in a 2013 inspection that it violated health code provisions regarding accident supervision and dietary services. The Melville nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of six surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not ensure residents were protected from neglect involving a fall. Section 483.12 of the Federal Code provides nursing home residents “the right to be free from abuse, neglect, misappropriation of resident property, and exploitation.” A February 2019 citation found that Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation did not ensure such for one resident. The citation states specifically that the resident was transferred by a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Licensed Practical Nurse from the floor to their bed without those individuals “reporting to, or ensuring that the resident was assessed by, a Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or a physician (MD) after an unwitnessed fall.” The citation states further that after the fall, the resident in question experienced pain and was not able to bear weight to their right leg. No physician or NP was notified, according to the citation, until seven hours after facility staff noted a change in the resident’s condition, and the resident did not receive an assessment by a clinician “for at least 23 hours after the fall,” after which they were transferred to the hospital where a fracture was discovered. The citation states that these deficiencies resulted in “actual harm” to the resident.
2. The nursing home did not ensure residents were adequately supervised to prevent accidents. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code requires that nursing home residents receive “adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents.” An October 2018 citation found that Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation did not ensure such for two residents. The citation states specifically that in one case, two Certified Nursing Assistants transferred a resident using a standup lift without the resident’s assessment for the use of such, and the resident’s “foot got caught in the bedframe resulting in an open tibia fibula (lower leg) fracture.” The citation goes on to describe a second resident who required the use of a standup lift and two persons’ assistance for transfers. During a transfer with the assistance two CNAs, according to the citation, one CNA left mid-procedure, after which the resident fell and suffered “actual harm.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the termination of two of the CNAs.
3. The nursing home did not follow food safety standards. Section 483.35 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to ensure the storage, preparation, distribution and service of food under sanitary conditions. An October 2016 citation found that Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation did not ensure such. The citation states specifically that an inspector observed five “dented” fruit cans, as well as the pantry food refrigerator temperature was 50 degrees, above the proper range of 41-45 degrees. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the securing of the refrigerator door and the disposal of the dented cans.
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.