August 28, 2025

Van Duyn Center Agrees to $12 Million Settlement

News Summary

Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Syracuse has agreed to a $12 million settlement due to allegations of mismanagement and neglect. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that $2 million will go to the state’s Medicaid fund, while the remaining $10 million will fund necessary improvements. An extensive investigation unveiled serious claims of inadequate care and misappropriation of funds, leading to monitoring measures for compliance with care standards. This settlement is viewed as a crucial step toward improving resident care at the facility.

Syracuse, NY – Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, owned by Efraim Steif and Uri Koenig, has agreed to a $12 million settlement related to allegations of mismanagement and neglect at the facility. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the settlement, which aims to address serious claims regarding the quality of care provided to residents at the nursing home.

Of the total settlement amount, $2 million will be directed toward the state’s Medicaid fund as restitution. The remaining $10 million is earmarked for necessary improvements at the nursing home. This settlement comes after an extensive eight-year investigation, initiated in 2017, by the Attorney General’s Office.

Several serious allegations have emerged against Van Duyn Center, including claims of neglect that allegedly led to resident injuries and deaths. The facility has faced criticism for its inadequate staffing levels and improper handling of Medicaid funds. In fact, it has been ranked among the nation’s worst nursing homes on multiple occasions, and just recently, in February 2023, it was identified as a candidate for “special focus facility” status.

Complaints from residents revealed alarming issues, including instances of malnourishment attributed to inedible food, insufficient water supply, and significant neglect that has resulted in fatalities. Further investigation uncovered that the owners diverted over $37 million since 2015, funds that were intended for improving care for residents.

Following the settlement, an independent firm, David Hoffman & Associates, will monitor patient care at Van Duyn, ensuring that the facility adheres to necessary standards of care. Additionally, Bishop Muriel & Weirauch will oversee the financial operations of the nursing home. These measures are aimed at preventing further mismanagement and ensuring that residents’ needs are addressed adequately.

Importantly, the settlement includes specific terms under which the owners can face penalties of $5,000 per day if they fail to implement the recommended changes promptly. This provision underscores the seriousness with which the state is treating the ongoing concerns related to the facility.

For context, Van Duyn Center was previously under the ownership of Onondaga County before being sold to its current owners in 2013. The nursing home’s long history of complaints and allegations makes this settlement a key milestone in efforts to improve the quality of care provided to residents.

While Van Duyn’s owners have agreed to the settlement, it is noteworthy that they did not admit to or deny the findings of the Attorney General. This points to a legal resolution aimed at addressing – rather than denying – the multitude of concerns raised regarding the facility’s operations.

With the financial restitution and improvements on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful that this settlement will lead to significant changes in the way care is provided at the Van Duyn Center, ultimately enhancing the well-being of its residents.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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