The Valley View Center for Nursing Care and Rehabilitation received 43 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on February 20, 2020. The Goshen 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 ensure an accident-free environment. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to keep resident environments “as free of accident hazards as is possible.” An August 2019 citation found that The Valley View Center for Nursing Care and Rehabilitation did not ensure such for two residents. The citation states specifically that a resident who was dependent on the assistance of two persons for bed mobility, toilet use, and transfer was transferred after restroom use by one person instead of two. The citation also states that another resident sustained a laceration to her leg while being transferred to her wheelchair from her bed with the assistance of a sliding board. A review of the incident found that the Certified Nursing Assistants who transferred the resident “were not trained prior to the date of the accident.” The citation states that these deficiencies had the “potential to cause more than minimal harm.”
2. The nursing home did not implement necessary steps to prevent and control infection. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to “establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment.” An August 2019 citation found that The Valley View Center for Nursing Care and Rehabilitation did not provide such an environment. A surveyor specifically found that the nursing home did not ensure its potable water system receiving required testing for Legionella and other water-borne pathogens. The surveyor also found that facility staff did not follow “proper hand hygiene to prevent cross contamination and the spread of infection for 3 residents.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the testing of the water system and the education of relevant staff on proper hand hygiene.
3. The nursing home did not comply with food safety standards. Section 483.60 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to “Store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.” An August 2019 citation found that The Valley View Center for Nursing Care and Rehabilitation did not ensure the maintenance in sanitary condition of “food contact equipment and kitchenware.” The citation states further that the facility maintained a “concentration of quaternary ammonium compound chemical sanitizing rinse” below the level required by the product’s manufacturer. The citation states that these deficiencies had the “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.
