Rochester, NY — State health regulators have imposed a $666,000 civil penalty on Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after uncovering widespread violations, including abuse, neglect, medication errors and chronic staffing shortages.
The New York State Department of Health issued the fine following surveys conducted in September 2024 and May 2025. Inspectors cited 358 violations tied to the enforcement action.
Under a stipulation finalized in December, the facility must pay $100,000 in installments. The remaining $566,000 has been suspended and will be waived if the operator meets strict compliance conditions over the next two years. Failure to do so would trigger the full penalty.
State records detail five incidents involving physical or sexual abuse of residents. Inspectors also found repeated failures to maintain basic hygiene and dignity, including residents left without clean linens or lying in wet bedding.
Medication practices were another major concern. Regulators documented widespread administration errors affecting more than 200 residents, with some individuals missing essential medications for days. Staffing shortages across multiple care units were also cited as contributing to lapses in care.
In one case, a resident was hospitalized after being found on the floor with a partially dislodged nephrostomy tube — an incident investigators determined was preventable.
To avoid paying the full fine, Waterview Heights must hire a state-approved Independent Quality Monitor for 12 months. The monitor will oversee corrective measures and submit quarterly reports. The facility must also achieve “substantial compliance” during its next two recertification surveys, a process expected to span about two years.
Advocates with the Elder Justice Committee of Metro Justice called the action long overdue, saying the penalties provide accountability and added oversight.
The state’s order resolves the current case but allows regulators to pursue additional sanctions against staff if warranted. Facility representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
