Throgs Neck Rehabilitation & Nursing Center has received 22 citations for violations of public health code between 2017 and 2021, according to records accessed on December 17, 2021. It also received a $2,000 fine in 2021 over findings it violated health code provisions. The Bronx nursing home facility’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 adequately prevent medication errors. Section 483.45 of the Federal Code stipulates that medication error rates at nursing homes must not be “5 percent or greater.” A September 10, 2021 citation found that Throgs Neck Rehabilitation & Nursing Center failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that one resident “was not administered with six (6) of the prescribed medications due” during an observation. The citation states further that the Licensed Practical Nurse administering the resident’s medications did “not inform the resident that some medications were not being administered at that time.” In an interview, the LPN told a state health inspector that “the missed medications were not available in the medication cart and they should have informed the resident.” The LN added that they planned to search for the medications or contact the facility’s pharmacy to confirm when the medications were re-ordered, or to re-order them if necessary. In an interview, the facility’s Director of Nursing stated “that the nurses are supposed to follow up and get medication before they are exhausted, and they did not know why the staff are not doing that.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the ed-education and in-servicing of relevant staff.
2. The nursing home did not provide adequate pressure ulcer care. Section 493.25 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to provide residents with necessary care and services to prevent the development of new pressure ulcers. A September 10, 2021 citation found that Throgs Neck Rehabilitation & Nursing Center failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that one resident “was not turned and positioned as indicated on the care plan.” On multiple observations, the citation states, the resident was observed “in bed lying in a supine position,” despite documented interventions that they be turned and positioned every two hours and provided a gel cushion on a high-back wheelchair. In an interview, a Licensed Practical Nurse told a state surveyor that facility aides documented that they turned and positioned the resident as documented, and that due to aide shortages caused by the pandemic, “aides require more supervision since they are not regulars on unit.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the educational counseling of two aides.
3. The nursing home did not employ adequate infection-control measures. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must ensure the establishment and maintenance of proper infection control practices and procedures. A September 10, 2021 citation found that Throgs Neck Rehabilitation & Nursing Center failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an instance in which oxygen tubing “was observed with no label, and there was no documented evidence that the oxygen tubing was changed.” In an interview, one Licensed Practical Nurse said that they had not checked the tubing after reminding a night nurse to change it, while another said that they forgot to label the tubing after changing it. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the educational counseling of both LPNs.
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.
