Story by News Correspondent Sandy Girodano
(Brighton, Twp.) Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center has been fined following the review of facts that showed they didn’t meet the requirements for participation as a provider of the Health Insurance program for the Aged and Disabled (MEDICARE)Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, and Medicaid , Title XIX of the Act.
A survey of the facility was completed at the facility by the PA Department of Health, Bureau of Li censure and Certification to determine if the facility was in compliance with Federal participation requirements for nursing homes participating in medicare and medicaid programs. As a result of the survey found the most serious deficiency to be one that comprises a pattern that constitutes immediate jeopardy to the health and safety of residents. This was cited under Infection Protection and Control. As a result of the findings Brighton Rehab had a civil money penalty imposed on them from May 1 through May 4 in the amount of $14,565 a day totaling $58,260. On May 5 the immediate jeopardy situation was removed. Effective on May 5, 2020, CMP is reduced to $110.00 a day. The report stated that the reduced CMP will continue to be enforced until the facility regains compliance. The facility under state censurer guidelines for long term facilities failed to prevent the potential for cross contamination of disease and placed residents of nine of 11 nursing units in Immediate Jeopardy. Those were Two East, Three East, Four East, Two Main, Two West, Four Main,Groves Two and Three.
On May 14, 2020 , CMS completed a COVID-19Focused Survey at the site and the survey revealed that the facility wasn’t in compliance with federal requirements related to implementing proper infection prevention and control practices to prevent development and transmission of COVID-19.The facility at that time was asked to submit an acceptable POC. plan of correction..According to the report the facility failed to be consistent in maintaining and infection and protection control program which ensured proper cleaning and disinfecting multi-use equipment for 3 of all residents and staff failed to use proper PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT perform proper hand hygiene , and store/handle linens in the proper manner to prevent the potential for cross-contamination and placed the residents in the 9 units in IMMEDIATE JEOPARDY.
Brighton Rehab issued a statement that they have no active COVID-19 cases at the facility , and they have closely adhered to the guidelines set forth by health officials. Management added that crisis caused by the pandemic is not over , they are proud of the progress they have made to date and will fight tirelessly to keep this virus eradicated from our facility