St. Patricks Home has received 26 citations for violations of public health code between 2018 and 2021, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on February 25, 2022. The Bronx nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of seven surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not adequately protect residents from physical abuse. Under Section 483.12 of the Federal Code, nursing home residents enjoy “the right to be free from abuse.” A December 2021 citation found that St. Patrick’s Home failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an instance in which a facility security officer witnessed a certified nursing assistant slap a resident’s forehead and verbally threaten the resident. The citation further describes the security officer’s statement that the CNA “threatened the resident by saying, next time, I’m going to punch you in the face.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the discharge of the CNA and the in-servicing of all staff on abuse prevention procedures.
2. The nursing home did not implement adequate accident-prevention measures. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code states that nursing homes must provide each resident with “adequate supervision… to prevent accidents.” A November 2021 citation found that St. Patrick’s Home failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an incident in which a certified nursing assistant failed to follow a resident’s plan of care “to provide necessary supervision during toileting.” The resident in question “had a known history of falls,” according to the citation, and was left alone on the toilet by the CNA. The resident “was confused” and “subsequently fell.” In an interview, the CNA said that they were not aware the resident was known to be at risk for falls. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of the CNA.
3. The nursing home did not maintain competent nursing staff. Under Section 483.35 of the Federal Code, nursing home facilities are required to “have sufficient nursing staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to provide nursing and related services.” A November 2021 citation found that St. Patrick’s Home failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that a certified nursing assistant “who had received training in falls prevention was assisting a resident with toileting and left the resident alone on the toilet without ensuring the resident’s safety.” The resident subsequently “fell and sustained a minor injury,” according to the citation. In an interview, the facility’s Director of Nursing stated that the CNA in question “acted thoughtlessly” and was subsequently provided with counseling and re-education. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of all nursing staff.
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.