Belmont Bay Rehab: Accident Hazard Violations - VA
Federal inspectors observed the unsafe transfer of a resident with cerebral palsy and paraplegia at Belmont Bay Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on October 29. The resident required a mechanical lift to move from bed to wheelchair.
During the transfer, nursing assistants positioned the lift's legs in the open position while raising the resident. When questioned separately, both CNAs involved said the legs should be closed during lifting and lowering.
The contradiction exposed confusion about basic safety procedures. CNA #3 described the correct process: place the sling under the resident, move the lift under the bed, attach the sling loops to hooks, tell the resident to hug themselves, then slowly raise them. She acknowledged the legs should be closed during the actual lifting.
CNA #2 gave similar instructions but mentioned opening the legs only to position the lift around the wheelchair after the resident was already raised.
The assistant director of nursing, who conducted initial and annual mechanical lift training for all nursing staff, gave conflicting guidance. When asked about leg position during transfers, he said the legs should be open while raising and lowering residents.
The facility has a policy titled "Lifting Machine, Using a Mechanical" that establishes general principles for safe lifting with mechanical devices. However, the policy notes it "is not a substitute for manufacturer's training instructions."
Mechanical lifts support residents who cannot bear weight on their own, using fabric slings that wrap around the person before attachment to hydraulic, manual, or electric lifting equipment.
The executive director, director of nursing, and clinical director of operations were informed of the findings on October 30. They provided no additional information before inspectors concluded their review.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Belmont Bay Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center from 2025-10-30 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.
Additional Resources
Data source: Official federal inspection data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Editorial process: AI-synthesized regulatory data, reviewed for accuracy by our editorial team.
Professional review: All content reviewed by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., NH EMT & BU-trained Paralegal.
Last verified: June 22, 2026 · Our methodology
BELMONT BAY REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE CENTER in WOODBRIDGE, VA was cited for violations during a health inspection on October 30, 2025.
The resident required a mechanical lift to move from bed to wheelchair.
Health inspections identify deficiencies that facilities must correct. Violations range from minor documentation issues to serious safety concerns. Review the full report below for specific details and facility response.