Yakima nursing home cited for safety violation

YAKIMA -- Garden Village, a skilled nursing facility in Yakima, was recently cited for a safety violation when an inspector found the mattress in one bed was too far away from the bed rails, posing a risk that the patient could become trapped.

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, which owns Garden Village, disclosed the citation Thursday. Hospital spokesman Steve Kaczynski said the problem was noticed two weeks ago in a routine inspection by the state Department of Social and Health Services.

"We fixed it immediately," Kaczynski said. He also said the patient didn't have any involuntary movements, which would have increased the risk of entrapment.

DSHS reported the violation to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which has suspended Medicare reimbursement for any new patients at Garden Village for 30 days.

Kaczynski said the Yakima nursing facility will continue to accept new patients despite the suspension of Medicare reimbursement. Based on the number of empty beds at Garden Village, Memorial estimates its cost will be about $100,000.

Garden Village, which has 95 beds, is appealing the citation.

"We thought it was a little harsh for one bed," Kaczynski said.