Nursing Homes in Western New York Penalized

Staff Writer, Aug 28, 2007

A number of nursing homes located in Western New York have been cited by the state or federal governments after the biannual inspection performed by the State Health Department found operating deficiencies.

Orchard Manor in Medina was imposed a civil penalty of $75,900 in the first quarter of 2007 by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for failing to comply with quality care requirements.  In addition, Le Roy Village, in Le Roy, was given a $3,412.50 penalty.  The state usually proposes civil penalties, and they are approved by the federal agency.

The state Health Department, on the other hand, was also doing its job in identifing nursing homes with problems.  The Waters of Aurora Park in East Aurora was given a $7,000 fine.  Also, Harbor Health had residents in immediate jeopardy and Hawthorn Health repeated deficiencies that caused isolated harm to some of the residents.

The Buffalo nursing homes have been denied payments for new admissions of Medicaid and Medicare residents until all the corrections are made.

Orchard Manor, Harbor Health, and Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center were penalized in the second quarter of 2007.