New York state health officials underreported COVID-19-related nursing home deaths by as much as 50 percent in some places, according to a report released by Attorney General Letitia James.
The 76-page report released Jan. 28 follows an investigation by James's office into claims of neglect of patients and other conduct that allegedly led to the deaths of nursing home residents and employees.
The COVID-related nursing home deaths have been a flashpoint for criticism against Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, who has repeatedly pushed back against assertions that his policy played any role in the deaths.
James, a Democrat, said that Cuomo's decision to order recovering nursing home patients to be returned to the facilities to free up hospital bed space may have led to more deaths.
Last year, the Cuomo administration flatly denied the allegations: "Admission policies to nursing homes were not a significant factor in nursing home fatalities. And data suggests that nursing home quality is not a factor in mortality from COVID.".
The attorney general's survey of the facility found that 40 deaths occurred-including 13 in hospitals and 27 in the nursing home.
Separately, on Jan. 27, Cuomo wrote on Twitter that "Residents at ALL nursing homes participating in the program have been offered the vaccine," adding that "72 percent of nursing home residents have been vaccinated by date."
Thursday, January 28, 2021
NY Underreported COVID-19 Nursing Home Deaths by Up to 50 Percent: AG Report
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