Six Nursing Homes Fined Following Lapses In Care

Six nursing homes were cited by the state Department of Public Health following lapses in care, including an accidental medication overdose, falls that resulted in injuries and failing to monitor residents. Paradigm Healthcare Center of Torrington was cited and fined $1,160 in March after a January incident in which a resident being treated for hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease and lymphoma was given an accidental overdose of medication. A nurse mistakenly gave the resident 2.5 milliliters of morphine sulfate, 10 times the 0.25-milileter dose ordered by the treating physician, records show. The overdose resulted in lowered blood pressure and slowed breathing in the resident, who was taken to the emergency room and later discharged back to the center. Officials at the facility did not return a phone call seeking comment.