AG: Nurse Aide Endangered Melville Nursing Home Resident

A certified nurse aide was arrested Wednesday on charges that she endangered the welfare of a 92-year-old wheelchair-bound nursing home resident in Melville, authorities said.

Claudia Desulme, 32, allegedly moved a resident of the Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation from her wheelchair to her bed on Dec. 12, 2012, without the assistance of another staff person, as required by the resident’s care plan, according to New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman.

The resident, as a result, sustained a laceration to her right leg. In an attempt to cover up the illegal transfer, Desulme, and another uncharged aide, allegedly bandaged the wound and failed to report the injury. Desulme, who no longer works at the facility, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges and up to four years in prison, according to Schneiderman.

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“Our healthcare workers have a basic duty to care for their patients, to keep them safe and not to injure them further,” Schneiderman said, in a statement. “My office will bring criminal charges where it’s appropriate against those caregivers who hurt patients, who ignore the law and safety protocols.”

Desulme, of Westbury, is charged with first-degree falsifying business records, endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, and wilful violation of health laws.

Desulme pleaded not guilty in Suffolk County District Court Wednesday and was released on her own recognizance.

Image: Claudia Desulme/Office of the NY State Attorney General

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