Iowa Nursing Home Fined for Health and Safety Violations
After February and March 2009 complaint investigations, Urbandale Health Care Center faces approximately $8,500 in fines for alleged health and safety regulation violations at the facility.
The February and March 2009 complaint investigations substantiated six separate allegations of substandard care. The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals issued a 99 page list of deficiencies at the facility and assessed fines.
Among the alleged problems was an incident involving resident assault. In February 2009, one facility resident pinned another resident against a bathroom door and repeatedly struck the pinned resident with a coat hanger. The next day, the alleged attacker threatened another resident who had accidentally run over his foot with a wheelchair.
The facility was also cited for having an insufficient staff. Residents and family members reported by complained that it could take staff up to 45 minutes to respond for an assistance call.
The facility was cited for failing to provide adequate care for residents on oxygen. According to state investigators, several residents were hooked to oxygen tanks that had either been turned off or were empty. Facility employees informed inspectors that the facility would periodically run out of oxygen.
Other violations of substandard care were failing to accurately transcribe physician orders, failure to treat bedsores, failure to prevent accidents, failure to conduct adequate background checks, and inadequate nutritional services.
The Terry Law Firm is experienced in handling cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. Please contact us with questions or concerns at 1 (888) 317-2525 or visit us at www.nursinghomejustice.com
