Nassau Rehabilitation & Nursing Center received 26 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on March 6, 2020. The facility has also been the subject of a 2018 fine of $10,000 in connection to findings during a 2017 inspection that it violated unspecified health code provisions; a 2016 fine of $2,000 in connection to findings during a 2012 inspection that it violated health code provisions regarding pressure sores; and a 2014 fine of $6,000 in connection to findings in a 2011 inspection that it violated unspecified health code provisions. The Hempstead nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of four surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not implement adequate accident-prevention measures. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to ensure resident environments are “as free as accident hazards as is possible.” A June 2019 citation found that Nassau Rehabilitation & Nursing Center did not ensure such for two residents. The citation states specifically that clothing in two resident rooms “was observed hanging from the wall extension arm lamps, including hanging from the lamp light switches.” In an interview, the facility’s Director of Nursing Services said of one of the resident rooms that “the resident should not be hanging clothes on the lamp and we should ensure clothing is not hung from the lamp.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the removal and proper storage of the clothing in question, and the ordering of an additional storage rack for one of the residents.
2. The nursing home did not take adequate measures to prevent and control the spread and transmission of infection. Under Section 483.80 of the Federal Code, nursing homes must “establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program” designed to provide residents with a safe, sanitary environment. A January 2018 citation found that Nassau Rehabilitation & Nursing Center did not maintain such a program on two nursing units. The citation states specifically that two of the facility’s Certified Nursing Assistants were observed in a resident’s room with a mask below their chin, even though they had not received the influenza vaccine. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the in-servicing of all staff. The citation states that this deficiency had the “potential to cause more than minimal harm.”
3. The nursing home did not meet food safety standards. Section 483.60 of the Federal Code states that nursing homes must “Store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.” A January 2018 citation found that Nassau Rehabilitation & Nursing Center did not maintain all of its kitchen areas “in a clean sanitary manner and in good repair.” An inspector specifically observed a leaking drainage pipe in a food preparation room, preparation table drawers that were “in disrepair,” a floor that needed cleaning, and undocumented dish washing machine temperatures on the water temperature log. 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 fixing of the drainage pipe and the discarding of drawers that were in disrepair.
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.
