Warren Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has received 71 citations for violations of public health code between 2018 and 2022, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on October 1, 2022. The Queensbury nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of six surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home failed to prevent residents from taking unnecessary psychotropic medications. Section 483.45 of the Federal Code also requires that nursing homes ensure residents are not administered unnecessary psychotropic medications, which the code defines as “any drug that affects brain activities associated with mental processes and behavior.” A September 2018 citation found that Warren Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes a resident who was given an as-needed anti-anxiety medication for more than 14 days “without a MD rationale and that there was documentation in the chart as to why the medication was administered or that non-pharmacological interventions were attempted prior to administration.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the discontinuation of the medication and the education of licensed nurses and medical practitioners.
2. The nursing home did not take adequate measures to ensure the prevention and control of infection. Under Section 483.80 of the Federal Code, nursing homes “must establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment.” A September 2018 citation found that Warren Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes the facility’s failure to maintain an adequate Legionella protection program. It notes that the nursing home’s “cooling tower plan was not facility-specific, and water sampling was not conducted as required.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the revision of the plan to be facility-specific and the restarting of water testing.
3. The nursing home did not comply with food safety requirements. Section 483.60 of the Federal Code requires that nursing homes “procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory by federal, state or local authorities” and ensure the professional storage, preparation, distribution and service of that food. A September 2019 citation found that Warren Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes the unsafe storage of food and an automatic dishwasher that “was not operating within the manufacturer’s specifications.” The citation describes further observations of raw chicken stored above ground beef, and a table mixer, slicer, can opener, microwave oven, handwashing sink, and other areas that “were soiled and required cleaning.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the discarding of the ground beef and the cleaning of the relevant areas.
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.
