Quantum Rehabilitation and Nursing received 29 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on April 9, 2020. The facility has also received two fines: one 2019 fine of $10,000 in connection to findings in a 2019 inspection that it violated unspecified health code provisions; and one 2016 fine of $8,000 in connection to findings in a 2014 inspection that it violated health code provisions regarding investigations, accidents, and administration. The Middle Island nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of five surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not provide adequate pressure ulcer treatment. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to ensure residents with pressure ulcers receive “necessary treatment and services, consistent with professional standards of practice, to promote healing, prevent infection and prevent new ulcers from developing.” An April 2019 citation found that Quantum Rehabilitation and Nursing did not ensure such for one resident. The citation states specifically that the resident’s “skin integrity deteriorated over a five-day period resulting in open areas, pain and crying,” but that these changes were neither promptly reported to nor assessed by health professionals, and “appropriate treatment was not implemented” until seven days after the changes were initially noted. The citation states that this deficiency resulted in “actual harm.”
2. The nursing home did not adequately provide residents with a safe environment. Section 483.10 of the Federal Code states that nursing home residents have “a right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.” An April 2019 citation found that Quantum Rehabilitation and Nursing did not ensure such. The citation states specifically that an inspector observed window curtains off their hooks in five residents’ rooms; and radiator grilles that were missing partial or complete covers in three resident rooms. In interviews, a Certified Nursing Assistant said she had not noticed these deficiencies, while the facility’s Director of Maintenance Services said there as no documentation of them in his maintenance log.
3. The nursing home did not adequately maintain housekeeping services. Section 483.10 of the Federal Code states that nursing home facilities must ensure “housekeeping and maintenance services necessary to maintain a sanitary, orderly, and comfortable interior.” An October 2017 citation found that Quantum Rehabilitation and Nursing did not ensure such. The citation states specifically that an inspector observed kitchen equipment that was neither thoroughly cleaned nor in good repair. The equipment in question included fire suppression equipment, a ceiling light fixture, a ceiling tile, exterior doors, and exterior grounds that were “heavily littered and in need of thorough cleaning or repair work.” The citation states that these deficiencies had “potential to cause more than minimal harm.”
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.
