Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation received 16 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on March 21, 2020. The facility also received a 2015 fine of $4,000 in connection to findings in a 2013 inspection that it violated health code provisions regarding resident medication errors. The Riverhead, NY 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 ensure residents were protected from abuse. Section 483.12 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing home residents have “the right to be free from abuse.” An October 2019 citation found that Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation did not ensure one resident was free from abuse. The citation states specifically that a Certified Nursing Assistant witnessed a Licensed Practical Nurse “using foul language and hitting a legally blind resident with cognitive impairment twice on his forehead.” The citation states further that video surveillance documented this incident, and that the LPN was “immediately removed from her assignment.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the termination of the LPN.
2. The nursing home did not protect residents from the use of unnecessary drugs. Section 483.45 of the Federal Code states that nursing home resident drug regimens ‘must be free from unnecessary drugs.” A May 2017 citation found that Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation did not ensure one resident’s drug regimen was free of such. The citation states specifically that the resident received the physician’s orders for a redacted anti-psychotic medication, although the system had no symptoms or indications of a redacted condition, and no behavioral symptoms documented on their admission minimum data set assessment. The citation also states that a gradual dose reduction was not attempted for the resident. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the implementation of a trial gradual dose reduction.
3. The nursing home did not adequately 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.” A May 2017 citation found that Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation did not ensure the maintenance of sanitary conditions in the facility’s main kitchen. The citation states specifically that the facility’s “dish machine final rinse water temperature was not operating at the required 180 degrees Fahrenheit,” and that several other maintenance issues required cleaning or repair, including window screens in disrepair, a ceiling vent with dust built up, and a live fly in the dish machine area. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the repair of the dish machine.
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.