Steuben Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare has received 38 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on August 19, 2020. The facility has also received a 2018 fine of $10,000 in connection to findings in a 2017 inspection that it violated unspecified health code provisions. The Bath 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 protect residents from abuse. Section 483.12 of the Federal Code grants nursing home residents “the right to be free from abuse.” A January 2018 citation found that Steuben Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare did not ensure such for one resident. The citation states specifically that a Licensed Practical Nurse was witnessed undressing and washing the resident after the resident told the LPN to stop, then pushing the resident onto the toilet when the resident attempted to stand up. The citation also states that the LPN told another nurse at the facility “that she wanted to use the biggest needle she could find on the resident.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the suspension and subsequent termination of the LPN.
2. The nursing home did not properly prevent infection. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must maintain a program to prevent and control infection. A July 2018 citation found that Steuben Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare did not ensure such for two residents. The citation states specifically that a nurse “did not properly disinfect the blood glucose testing machine (glucometer) before or after resident use.” In an interview, the nurse said “she should have wiped the glucometer down between residents” and that “she usually cleans the glucometer with bleach wipes that are located at the nurses’ station.” The facility’s Assistant Director of Nursing said in another interview that “she would expect the nurse to clean the glucometer in between residents using the approved bleach wipes.”
3. The nursing home did not keep residents free from significant medication errors. Under Section 483.45 of the Federal Code, nursing homes must keep residents free from “any significant medication errors.” A November 2017 citation found that Steuben Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare failed to ensure such for one resident. It states specifically that the facility did not administer the correct dosage of a redacted medication, resulting in “actual harm” to the resident, who was subsequently treated at a local hospital. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the disciplining and education of two nurses.
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.
