INTERLAKEN, NY — New York State health officials have suspended the operating license of The Bixby Home, an adult care facility, and ordered the relocation of all 20 residents following the discovery of more than 1,000 documented violations, according to the Finger Lakes Times.
State regulators filed court papers on February 27, 2026, summarily suspending the facility's license after inspectors uncovered serious medication management failures, as reported by the Finger Lakes Times. The investigation revealed that at least two residents missed several hundred doses of prescribed medications during January and February 2026, according to state health department findings. Inspectors also documented medication dosing errors and instances where staff administered drugs to residents without proper physician authorization.
The New York State Department of Health has accumulated violation records against the facility dating back to 2019, according to Marissa Crary, a department spokeswoman. Patrick Toye, Associate Commissioner of the department's Western Regional Office, confirmed that state officials are coordinating the transfer of all residents to alternative care facilities in Penn Yan, Auburn, and Fairport, with relocations expected to conclude by the end of this week, as reported by the Finger Lakes Times.
The facility, located at 8342 North Main Street in Interlaken, has been operated by Deborah and Richard Bixby since 2007, according to local officials. Interlaken Mayor Rich Richardson told the Finger Lakes Times that there is no expectation the facility will reopen under its current ownership structure. The suspension order provides the operators with 60 days to address the documented deficiencies, though local government officials expressed doubt about the likelihood of remediation.
Scott King, Director of Public Health for Seneca County, confirmed that county officials are working with state regulators to ensure resident safety during the transition period, as reported by local media. The State Attorney General's office has also launched an investigation into potential financial irregularities at the facility, according to the Finger Lakes Times.
Federal regulations require adult care facilities to maintain accurate medication administration records and ensure that all medications are dispensed according to physician orders. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services classifies medication errors as immediate jeopardy violations when they result in serious harm or have the potential to cause death or serious injury to residents.
Facility Background
The Bixby Home operated as a licensed adult care facility in Seneca County, providing residential services for adults requiring assistance with daily living activities. Adult care facilities in New York are regulated by the state Department of Health and must maintain compliance with Article 7 of the Social Services Law.
Regulatory Context
New York State's adult care facility regulations require operators to maintain comprehensive medication management systems, including physician-ordered medication administration records, proper storage protocols, and staff training on pharmaceutical handling. The state Department of Health conducts regular inspections and can impose immediate license suspensions when violations pose imminent danger to resident health and safety.
Summary suspension actions, such as the one imposed on The Bixby Home, are reserved for situations where state regulators determine that continued operation presents immediate risk to residents. Such actions bypass the standard notice-and-hearing process that typically precedes license revocation or suspension.
Resources for Families
Families with loved ones in New York nursing homes or adult care facilities can contact the New York State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for assistance with concerns about care quality or facility conditions. The program provides free advocacy services and investigates complaints from residents and family members.
The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center operates a hotline at 1-800-677-1116 for families seeking guidance on elder care issues or assistance filing complaints with state regulators.
Residents and family members can also file complaints directly with the New York State Department of Health through the agency's health facility complaint portal or by calling the regional office serving their county. Documentation of specific incidents, including dates, times, and names of involved staff members, strengthens the investigation process when filing formal complaints.
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