In a certification survey from January of this year, the Department of Health cited Suffolk Center for Nursing and Rehab, a Patchogue, New York nursing home, for multiple deficiencies. Included in the DOH report were lack of proficiency of nurse's aides, and failure to ensure that residents are free from medication errors.
The survey found the facility deficient with respect to Title 42 Section 483.75(f) of the Code of Federal Regulations, Proficiency of Nurse's Aides, when it was discovered that a resident with a known history of falls was left alone in and around the shower. Fortunately, the resident did not fall on this occasion. However, the CNA admitted that he was aware of the resident's fall history and still left him alone in order to get supplies. A resident with a history of falls should never be left alone while mobile, particularly in an area as precarious as a bathroom or shower. Clearly this behavior by the CNA showed a lack of competency in caring for such a patient.
Section 483.25(m)(2) of the Code mandates that the facility must ensure that residents are free of any significant medication errors. In the incident documented in the report, medications were not received as ordered, and in one case the facility did not ensure that the resident actually took her medication. In an environment in which residents are on a very strict regimen of medication, coupled with the fact that many residents are unable to care for themselves, this behavior on the part of the facility is unacceptable. As the survey notes, instances such as this have the potential for more than minimal harm.
The entire list of deficiencies is too numerous for a single entry. A copy of the Detailed Deficiency Report can be found at the DOH website, here.
