One of four rehabilitation and nursing care centers identified in a $45 million settlement announced Nov. 14 by New York State Attorney General Letitia James is located in White Plains.
James announced a major settlement of resident mistreatment and neglect charges with the owners, operators, management company, landlords and various related parties of four facilities managed by Centers for Care LLC (Centers).
The White Plains facility is the Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing at 12 Tibbits Ave. The others are Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in the Bronx, Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Erie County, and Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Queens.
According to James, Centers and its owners will pay a total of $45 million, including $35 million to directly fund improved resident care and staffing. Centers will also increase staffing and continue to make reforms as directed by an Independent Health Care Monitor (IHM). An Independent Financial Monitor (IFM) will also continue to oversee the nursing homes’ finances. The IHM and IFM were appointed by a court in July and August 2023, respectively, as a result of James’ lawsuit and according to James have already improved resident care at the nursing homes. Centers and its owners are also prohibited from closing or selling the facilities for at least three years.
James’ lawsuit alleged significant financial fraud and repeated illegality including resident neglect, insufficient staffing, and failing to limit admissions to residents to whom they could provide adequate care.
“Residents at these Centers nursing homes endured years of tragic and devastating mistreatment and neglect, while the owners made millions of dollars in profit,” James said. “Residents suffered tragic harm and their families were often left in the dark or in despair about their loved ones. Now, Centers and its owners will pay for the harm they caused and will continue to make major reforms at their facilities to ensure residents receive the care they deserve.”
James said that Centers will hire a chief compliance officer and a facility compliance officer at each of the four nursing homes to ensure the facilities fully comply with all federal and state laws to prevent future resident mistreatment, neglect, and financial fraud.
