(914) 220-1086Smithtown Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing Care received 11 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on April 10, 2020. The Smithtown nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of three 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 states that nursing homes must provide residents with “adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents.” An August 2019 citation found that Smithtown Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing Care did not ensure such for one resident. The citation states specifically that an inspector observed the resident’s medications “observed left on the bedside table and… signed as administered by the Medication Licensed Practical Nurse.” According to the citation, the resident’s care plan contained no plan for self-administering of medications, and the LPN stated in an interview that she had left the room because she was called to assist another resident, although “she knows that she is not supposed to leave medications with the residents.”
2. The nursing home administered unnecessary drugs. Section 483.45 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to ensure its residents’ drug regimens remain “free from unnecessary drugs.” A February 2018 citation found that Smithtown Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing Care did not ensure such for one resident. The citation states specifically that the resident was administered a medication for a redacted condition in the absence of proper indications, such as mood concerns or behavior symptoms. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the initiation of a dose reduction until the resident was weaned from the medication.
3. The nursing home did not comply with fire safety regulations. Section 101 of the Life Safety Code details fire safety standards that include requirements for self-closing doors and fire-rated labeling. A December 2016 citation found that Smithtown Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing Care had doors on two floors in four resident units that lacked a legible fire-rated label and/or lacked a fire rated label altogether. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the contracting of a third party company to conduct an inspection and certification of the doors 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.
