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The Knolls has received 16 citations for violations of public health code between 2018 and 2021, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on February 11, 2022. It has also received $8,000 in fines since 2017. The Valhalla 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 adequately prevent the unnecessary use of psychotropic medications. Section 483.45 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must not administer psychotropic drugs to residents who have not used them, unless they are necessary to treat a specific condition, and the residents who receive them are given gradual dose reduction attempts. A July 2021 citation found that The Knolls failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that the facility failed to ensure employees “provided ongoing monitoring of a resident for medication effect, side effects, adverse reaction, or any associated behavioral effects of the medication.” Despite the pharmacist’s documentation that the concurrent use of the antipsychotic medication with aspirin “may increase the risk of bleeding,” as well as the pharmacist’s recommendation to monitor the resident, “there was no evidence” that this recommendation was followed. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the in-servicing of licensed nursing staff.
2. The nursing home did not properly follow food safety protocols. Section 483.60 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing home facilities must “Store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.” A July 2021 citation found that The Knolls failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that the facility did not label and date perishable foods; did not discard foods by their use-by date; and that it did not store dry goods in closed containers. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the disposal of goods that needed to be disposed of, and the placement of dry food items in closed containers.
3. The nursing home did not undertake adequate measures to prevent infection. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must establish and create protocols designed to prevent the development and transmission of disease. A July 2021 citation found that The Knolls failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that the facility failed to ensure its Legionella Program “was assessed at least annually.” In an interview, the facility’s Maintenance Director affirmed that the program should be reviewed at least once a year. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the retention of an outside consultant to assess causative factors that may have contributed to the deficiency.
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.
