Top 5 Most Fined Nursing Homes on Long Island in 2024

Shocking Nursing Home Fines on Long Island in 2024 Reveal Serious Safety Concerns

In 2024, several Long Island nursing homes faced substantial financial penalties after state and federal regulators uncovered a troubling series of violations. While these were not record-setting fines, they highlight significant failures in resident care and safety. Altogether, fifteen Long Island nursing homes were fined a combined $661,210 by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for incidents that placed residents in harm’s way.

These penalties stem from a wide range of violations – from neglecting to properly investigate abuse allegations to medication errors that led to hospitalizations and even fatalities. For families with loved ones in nursing facilities, these fines serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks within some of Long Island’s most vulnerable care environments. When nursing home staff fail to follow established safety protocols, residents may suffer serious physical and emotional harm.

Many of these facilities have been cited repeatedly, showing that some problems may be part of a larger pattern rather than isolated incidents. While the state imposes a maximum fine of $10,000 per violation, federal CMS penalties are uncapped, leading to significant financial consequences for repeated or egregious offenses. Below, we break down the top 5 most fined nursing homes on Long Island in 2024.

1. Medford Multicare Center for Living: Nearly $140,000 in Fines for Failure to Investigate Abuse

Medford Multicare Center for Living, located in Medford, was issued nearly $140,000 in combined penalties by state and federal agencies. This facility came under intense scrutiny after failing to properly investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by staff members. One resident reported being sexually abused by a certified nursing assistant. Although the resident later recanted, the facility failed to follow required reporting protocols, did not notify police or administrators, and continued allowing the accused staff member to have access to the resident.

By failing to initiate a timely investigation, Medford Multicare violated both federal and state requirements intended to protect vulnerable residents from abuse. As a result, CMS issued its largest fine on Long Island for 2024 – $134,713 – while the state DOH imposed an additional $4,000 fine. The facility had previously been fined for similar types of violations, reflecting a disturbing pattern of noncompliance with mandated safety standards.

In cases like these, residents may suffer significant emotional trauma, fear, and distrust. Allegations of sexual abuse within nursing homes are deeply concerning and can lead to legal claims for emotional distress, personal injury, and medical expenses. The failure of a facility to investigate such claims only amplifies the harm done to the resident involved.

2. Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation: Over $117,000 in Penalties for Abuse Reporting Failures

Located in Woodbury, Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation was fined nearly $118,000 by CMS and an additional $6,000 by the state DOH. The fines stem from the facility’s failure to properly investigate and report allegations that a certified nursing assistant roughly handled a resident during repositioning. The resident accused the CNA of twisting their hand while turning them in bed, causing pain and distress.

Despite this serious accusation, the nursing home dismissed the report, concluding it was simply an accidental entanglement without thoroughly investigating or notifying proper authorities. State and federal regulations mandate immediate reporting and investigation of any suspected abuse, no matter the perceived credibility. Cold Spring Hills’ failure to act appropriately resulted in significant regulatory penalties.

These violations are particularly concerning given the facility’s troubled history, which includes years of financial difficulties, ownership changes, and even litigation with New York State. Failure to properly investigate allegations of abuse leaves vulnerable residents exposed to further mistreatment and trauma.

3. St. Catherine of Siena Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Center: Over $68,000 in Fines for Physical Abuse

In Smithtown, St. Catherine of Siena Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Center faced $4,000 in state fines and $64,496 in CMS penalties following two incidents involving the same certified nursing assistant. In one case, the CNA slapped a resident’s leg and forcibly held the resident’s wrist to prevent biting. In a second incident, the same CNA was seen yanking another resident’s limbs aggressively while providing care, causing the resident to cry out in pain.

Such aggressive behavior not only violates residents’ rights but also directly contradicts required standards of care. The CNA involved was immediately terminated, and the facility stated that corrective actions were implemented to prevent future incidents. Despite these steps, the violations highlight how a single staff member’s conduct can inflict serious harm on multiple residents if unchecked.

Victims of physical abuse in nursing homes often suffer more than just immediate injuries; they may experience lasting emotional distress, anxiety, and fear. Families who suspect abuse should act swiftly to protect their loved ones and pursue legal remedies if necessary.

4. Hamlet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center at Nesconset: Over $63,000 in Combined Fines for Verbal and Physical Aggression

The Hamlet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center at Nesconset was cited for two separate violations in 2024, resulting in $10,000 in state fines and $43,610 from CMS for the first incident alone. In one particularly troubling case, a resident recorded a CNA screaming, cursing, and using physically aggressive gestures toward them. The CNA was also seen swinging their arm near the resident in a threatening manner, according to a video reviewed by inspectors.

In a second incident, the nursing home was fined another $10,000 after a resident died of septic shock related to fecal impaction, which inspectors found resulted from the facility’s failure to properly monitor the resident’s bowel movements. Such neglect led to a rare but deadly condition known as stercoral perforation.

Both incidents reveal serious lapses in staff training, supervision, and facility oversight. Neglect of basic medical monitoring and verbal aggression both represent clear violations of residents’ rights and safety.

5. Maria Regina Rehabilitation and Nursing: Over $18,000 in Penalties for Ingestion of Toxic Chemicals

At Maria Regina Rehabilitation and Nursing in Brentwood, state inspectors cited a serious safety lapse after a resident with dementia was found drinking from a bottle of hair dye left unattended at the nurses’ station. The resident was hospitalized after developing swelling in the mouth and throat but fortunately survived the incident. The facility was fined $10,000 by the state and $8,512 by CMS for its failure to properly secure hazardous substances.

Carelessness involving toxic chemicals poses obvious life-threatening risks, particularly for residents with cognitive impairments who may not recognize the dangers. The fact that these items were left unattended in an area accessible to vulnerable residents reflects clear deficiencies in staff training and oversight.

Such incidents often lead to legal claims involving medical negligence, pain and suffering, and failure to maintain safe premises. Nursing homes are legally obligated to ensure dangerous items are kept secure and out of reach from residents.

Other Serious Violations at Long Island Nursing Homes

In addition to the five facilities above, several other Long Island nursing homes were fined for equally disturbing violations in 2024:

• Hempstead Park Nursing Home – fined $2,000 by the state and $15,445 by CMS after a cognitively impaired resident wandered outside in freezing temperatures and remained missing for over 20 hours.
• Pine Forest Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Huntington – fined $10,000 after a resident with suicidal ideation jumped from a second-story window due to a faulty window guard, suffering multiple fractures.
• North Shore-LIJ Orzac Center for Rehabilitation in Valley Stream – fined $10,000 by the state and $41,574 by CMS after a medication error contributed to a resident’s hospitalization and subsequent death.
• Carillon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Huntington – fined $10,000 by the state and $22,523 by CMS for physical abuse after a resident was struck multiple times by a CNA during a bed linen change.

Each of these cases demonstrates how a single error, whether through neglect, abuse, or failure to follow proper protocols, can have life-threatening consequences for residents.

Why Long Island Nursing Homes Continue to Face Penalties

Many of these violations reflect larger, ongoing problems in the nursing home industry, including staffing shortages, lack of proper training, and profit-driven business models. According to federal data, New York nursing homes rank among the worst in the country for staffing levels. The state requires at least 3.5 hours of care per resident per day, yet many facilities struggle to meet even this minimum standard.

Experts have pointed to these staffing deficiencies as a key factor behind repeated safety violations. When nursing homes operate with insufficient staff, essential care – including supervision, monitoring, and timely interventions – often falls through the cracks. This directly endangers the wellbeing of residents who depend entirely on staff for daily care and medical support.

In many of these cases, vulnerable residents suffered serious harm that could have been prevented through proper oversight and adherence to New York’s strict nursing home regulations. When facilities fail to follow these laws, they may be held legally responsible for the injuries and suffering caused.

Our Long Island Lawyers Can Help If Your Loved One Has Suffered Abuse or Neglect

Families place tremendous trust in nursing homes to care for elderly loved ones. When that trust is broken through negligence or abuse, the emotional and physical damage can be overwhelming. If your family has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect in Long Island, our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP are here to help you hold these facilities accountable. We will investigate the facility’s violations, pursue all available legal remedies, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

Contact Alonso Krangle, LLP today at 800-403-6191 or complete our online form to speak with our team about your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Fines on Long Island

What are the most common violations that lead to nursing home fines on Long Island?

Common violations include failure to investigate abuse allegations, medication errors, neglecting residents’ basic care needs, improper supervision leading to injuries, and failure to secure hazardous materials.

How are nursing home fines calculated in New York?

The New York State Department of Health can fine up to $10,000 per violation. CMS, the federal agency, does not cap its fines and may issue significantly higher penalties depending on the severity of the violation.

Are these fines public record?

Yes. Both state and federal agencies maintain public records of fines, inspection reports, and violations for each licensed nursing home.

Can families sue a nursing home after a fine is issued?

Yes. Regulatory fines do not prevent families from pursuing legal action for damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and wrongful death claims resulting from nursing home abuse or neglect.

What legal rights do nursing home residents have in New York?

Nursing home residents are protected under federal and New York State laws, including rights to be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and involuntary seclusion. Facilities are legally obligated to provide safe and appropriate care.

How do I report suspected nursing home abuse in Long Island?

Reports can be made to the New York State Department of Health, local law enforcement, or elder abuse hotlines. Our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP can also help you take swift legal action.

Does the frequency of inspections affect the number of fines issued?

Yes. Since the COVID pandemic, inspection frequency has increased, leading to more violations being identified and cited by regulators on Long Island.