Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: CATHERINE BLACKWOOD, D/B/A ST. ANN`S RETIREMENT HOME; ST. CATHERINE`S TLC, INC.; AND NIRVANA RETIREMENT HOME
Judges: STUART M. LERNER
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Filed: Apr. 20, 2000
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Thursday, January 11, 2001.
Latest Update: Dec. 27, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA ky gl
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION aa
STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR lG7)
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION,
OD -\ 68 |
vs. AHCA NO: 10-00-026-ALF
Petitioner,
ST. CATHERINE’S TLC,
Respondent.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that after twenty-one (21) days from receipt of
this Complaint, the State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration (“Agency”)
intends to impose an administrative fine in the amount of $3,050.00 upon St. Catherine’s
TLC. As grounds for the imposition of this administrative fine, the Agency alleges as
follows:
1. The Agency has jurisdiction over the Respondent pursuant to Chapter 400
Part III, Florida Statutes.
2. Respondent, St. Catherine’s TLC, is licensed by the Agency to operate an
assisted living facility at 9990 NW 41" Street, Cooper City, Florida 33024 and is
obligated to operate the assisted living facility in compliance with Chapter 400 Part III,
Florida Statutes, and Rule 58A-5, Florida Administrative Code.
3. On March 21, 1997 a survey team from the Agency’s Area 10 Office
conducted a survey and the following Class II and Class III deficiencies were cited.
3A. Pursuant to Rules 58A-5.0182(6) and S8A-5.0182(6)(a)l, F.A.C., the
method for management of a resident’s medications, whether self-administration, self-
administration with supervision, or administration by licensed personnel, shall be as
directed by the health care provider in the health assessment report required pursuant to
58A-5.0181, F.A.C., or as prescribed on new orders. Residents who are capable of taking
their own medication are encouraged to do so. A resident may keep his own medication
on his person or in his own room or apartment, which is kept locked when the resident is
absent or in a secure place, which is normally out of sight of other residents. This
standard was not met as evidenced by the following observations:
(1) Resident #2 is an 86 year old male with Diabetes and gangrene on
the leg, under Hospice care, residing in the unlicensed facility. The
resident had no health assessment, Hospice care plan, nor records of how
his medications were being managed.
(a) During an interview with the caretaker at 3:30 p.m., it was
stated to surveyor that the administrator of St. Catherine’s ALF
gives out the medication.
(b) — The resident’s pills, which consisted of Trental, Glucotrol,
Plendil, Percocet, Darvon, Cipro, and a handful of pink tablets that
were unlabeled, were stored unlocked in a kitchen cabinet.
(c)_ The resident later on complained to surveyors of pain in the
lower leg extremity. Resident #2 was examined by paramedics at
the request of surveyors, and was sent via ambulance to Memorial
Hospital for emergency treatment of gangrene to the leg at
approximately 7:00 p.m. that evening.
(2) Resident #1 is an 81 year old female with a colostomy and tumor
on the left side of the stomach area, residing in the unlicensed facility.
According to her family member, the resident had a recent psych
evaluation, which resulted in a diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia. The
family member went on to say that the resident’s behavior was difficult to
manage at times and sometimes bizarre.
(a) There was no health assessment, progress notes, nor were
there any records of medication management for this resident.
3B.
(3) Resident #3 is an elderly female resident found lying in bed in the
unlicensed facility with ants crawling on her upper extremities. The staff
stated that the resident has cancer of the nose. Surveyors observed that the
nose bridge was decayed and appeared reddened, revealing cartilage and
white secretions.
(a) | There was no health assessment, progress notes, nor was
there any records of medication management for this resident.
(4) Based on observations and interview with staff, residents and
family members, it was determined that the facility violated Rule 58A-
5.0182(6), F.A.C., for failing to ensure that residents in the unlicensed
facility received management of their medications.
Pursuant to Rule 58A-5.0182(2), F.A.C., the facility shall ensure that
residents receive services appropriate to their needs. Personal supervision is offered as
appropriate for each resident. This standard was not met as evidenced by the following
observations:
(1) Resident #1 is a female with a colostomy and tumor on the left side
of the stomach area. According to her family member, the resident had a
recent psychological evaluation and the physician informed them the
resident was Paranoid Schizophrenic.
(a) The family member further stated the resident had
problems due to a colostomy: “My mother does not want anyone
to see or care for the colostomy, the only thing she does is place
sanitary napkins over it. After meals, she sticks her fingers in her
mouth to induce vomiting to prevent the colostomy bag from being
soiled.”
(b) Interview with the staff of the unlicensed section revealed
the administrator of the facility had not addressed the behavior
problems. There were no records, progress notes, or evidence that
the resident was receiving medical supervision.
(2) Resident #2 is a male with Diabetes and gangrene on the leg
receiving Hospice care. This resident was observed limping and had a
dirty dressing on the leg. The resident also had a dressing on the right
middle finger. According to his spouse, the resident slammed his finger
on the bedroom door.
(3)
(a) During the complaint investigation, surveyors called 911
Emergency Medical Services for the resident. When the
paramedics arrived at the unlicensed section of the ALF, the
resident’s leg was examined. After the evaluation, the paramedics
determined that transportation of the resident by ambulance to
Memorial Hospital for immediate attention was required.
(b) The Protective Investigator from Aging and Adult Services
informed the surveyor by telephone on March 24, 1997, that the
doctors recommended the leg be amputated. This resident did not
receive timely appropriate services and supervision for his medical
condition.
Resident #3 was observed by surveyors lying in bed with ants
crawling on her upper extremities. The resident is alert but did not answer
to surveyors questions. The resident was observed to have her nasal area
structure decayed, reddened and exuding white secretions.
(4)
(a) Staff stated the resident had cancer of the nose. The
resident’s fingernails were encrusted with the secretions.
Surveyors observed the resident picking the nasal area. According
to an interview conducted by the protective investigator, the
resident stated “I don’t want to live anymore.”
(b) An interview with the administrator and caretaker revealed
this resident had been in the licensed ALF and was transferred to
the unlicensed section of the facility approximately two nights ago.
(c) Review of the admission and discharge log revealed the
resident had been admitted to the ALF on February 21, 1997. The
facility had no records or progress notes of the resident’s medical
status or level of care needed.
Resident #4 was observed by surveyors to be in a locked room.
The door had to be opened by the police officer after several attempts at
knocking on the door with no response. The resident was found lying ina
hospital bed with full rails, on continuous oxygen due to breathing
problems and a diagnosis of Emphysema.
(a) A plate of half eaten mashed potatoes was left on a TV
table near the bed. Surveyors observed ants crawling throughout
the leftover food and the bed. This resident is known to surveyors
from a previous complaint investigation of St. Catherine’s ALF in
October 1996, at which time he was deemed inappropriate for
continued residency in the licensed ALF.
4.
(b) During the revisit to that investigation in November 1996,
the administrator reported to surveyor that the resident’s guardian
took him home. An interview with the guardian revealed that this
resident had been transferred to the unlicensed facility four months
ago by the administrator of the licensed ALF.
(c) The facility had no progress notes of the resident’s medical
condition or level of care.
(5) Resident #5 was observed during the tour of the unlicensed section
of the facility to be alert and confused. The resident was in a wheelchair
in the living room area unsupervised. The resident’s hands shook
violently. The resident stated to the surveyor: “Why don’t we have
something to eat, I’m hungry.”
(a) Review of the admission and discharge log revealed the
resident had been admitted to the ALF in April of 1996. The
administrator stated that a volunteer had taken the resident for a
walk to the unlicensed section of the ALF. The alleged volunteer
could not be found by surveyors for an interview.
(6) Based on observations, interviews and record review, it was
determined that the facility violated Rule 58A-5.0182(2), F.A.C., for
failing to provide the appropriate services and personal supervision to
residents who require special needs in the unlicensed section of the ALF.
On April 8, 1997 a survey team from the Agency’s Area 10 Office
conducted a survey and the following Class III deficiency was cited.
4A.
Pursuant to Rule 58A-5.024(1)(b), F.A.C., the incident report shall be
made by the individuals having first hand knowledge of the incident, and shall contain: a)
a clear description of each accident or incident involving dangerous behavior of resident
or staff member involved b) the time c) the place the incident occurred d) the names of
the individuals involved e) witnesses if injuries were sustained f) nature of injuries g)
cause of the accident, if known h) a description of medical or other services provided i)
who provided services, and j) any steps taken to prevent recurrence. This standard was
not met as evidenced by the following observations:
5.
(1) Based ona tour of the facility at 2:00 p.m. in the common area of
the facility, Resident #2 was observed with a bruise around the left eye
area. The administrator stated it was a result of a fight with her roommate.
(a) _ Review of the incident report on file revealed that there was
no documentation of the dangerous behavior of the residents
involved, nor an accurate description of the nature of the injury
sustained.
(2) Based on an interview with the administrator and record review, it
was determined that the facility violated Rule 58A-5.024(1)(b), F.A.C., for
failing to have the required information reported on the incident.
On December 10, 1997 a survey team from the Agency’s Area 10 Office
conducted a survey and the following Class III deficiency was cited.
SA.
Pursuant to Section 400.428(1) and (3), F.S. and Rule 58A-5.0182(7),
F.A.C., interviews with residents and consultation with the ombudsman council in the
district verify that resident’s rights and freedoms are protected and facilitated in
accordance with the Resident Bill of Rights. This standard was not met as evidenced by
the following observations:
6.
(1) Based on observations made during the initial tour of the facility,
the men’s bathroom on the northeast side of the facility had no curtain or
covering on it. The glass in the window was not frosted, therefore, there
was no privacy for anyone using that bathroom.
(2) Based on observations, it was determined that the facility violated
Section 400.428(1) and (3), F.S. and Rule 58A-5.0182(7), F.A.C., for
failing to ensure that resident’s rights and freedoms were protected and
facilitated in accordance with the Resident Bill of Rights.
On May 20, 1999 a survey team from the Agency’s Area 10 Office
conducted a moratorium appraisal visit. There were three Class III and two Class I
deficiencies cited.
6A. Pursuant to Rule 58A-5.024(1)(b), F.A.C., the incident report shall be
made by the individuals having first hand knowledge of the incident, and shall contain: a)
a clear description of each accident or incident involving dangerous behavior of resident
or staff member involved b) the time c) the place the incident occurred d) the names of
the individuals involved e) witnesses if injuries were sustained f) nature of injuries g)
cause of the accident, if known h) a description of medical or other services provided i)
who provided services, and j) any steps taken to prevent recurrence. This standard was
not met as evidenced by the following observations:
qd) During a tour of the facility, it was noted that Resident #2 had a
bruise around his/her right eye and a laceration above the right eyebrow.
An interview with the staff member on duty revealed that this injury had
occurred from a recent fall.
(a) Further investigation and a review of the facility’s
accident/incident reports revealed that an incident report had been
completed for this resident on May 16, 1999, however, the report
did not contain the nature or extent of the resident’s injuries, a
description of the medical treatment that was provided, and steps
taken to prevent recurrence.
(2) Based on record review, it was determined that the facility violated
Rule 58A-5.024(1)(b), F.A.C., for again failing to provide a clear
description of an incident involving a resident.
6B. Pursuant to Rule 58A-5.024(2)(c)3B-e, F.A.C., the facility shall maintain
a record of resident height and weight at admission and semiannually thereafter for
residents receiving personal care services, as well as the following additional health
information: a) the name, address, and telephone number of the resident’s health care
provider b) a description of the resident’s overall condition and level of care required,
updated as needed, and c) reports of resident illness and medical attention provided. This
standard was not met as evidenced by the following observations:
6C.
(1) During a tour of the facility, Resident #1 and Resident #3 were
interviewed and revealed that they did not care for the taste or the quality
of the food being served. In addition, general observations of the five (5)
facility residents revealed that one (1) of the two (2) residents interviewed
appeared to be thin and frail.
(a) A review of Resident #1’s clinical record revealed that this
resident’s most recent recorded weight was 155 lbs. on March 10,
1999. Upon surveyor request, this resident was re-weighed on
May 20, 1999 and found to weigh 136 Ibs. (a weight loss of 9 Ibs).
(b) Further investigation and a review of Resident #3’s record
revealed that his/her last recorded weight was 210 Ibs. on March
10, 1999. This resident was also re-weighed on May 20, 1999, in
the presence of a surveyor, and found to weigh 197.5 Ibs. (a weight
loss of 12.5 Ibs).
(c) An interview with the facility’s administrator revealed that
she was unaware of these unplanned weight losses and therefore,
had not documented any changes in these residents conditions.
(2) Based on observation, interview and record review, it was
determined that the facility violated Rule 58A-5.024(2)(c)3b-e, F.A.C., for
failing to maintain a description of the resident’s overall condition, which
is updated as necessary.
Pursuant to Rule 58A-5.0182(6), F.A.C., the method for management of a
resident’s medications, whether self-administration, self-administration with supervision,
or administration by licensed personnel, shall be as directed by the health care provider in
the health assessment report required pursuant to 58A-5.0181, F.A.C., or as prescribed on
new orders, This standard was not met as evidenced by the following observations:
(1) During a review of Resident #1’s clinical record, it was noted on
the health assessment that this resident is to self-administer their
medications with supervision. Further review of the record revealed that
the resident had progress notes-dated from October 6, 1998 thru April 27,
1999, which indicate that this resident often refuses medication.
(a) Aninterview with the staff member on duty at 9:45 a.m. on
May 20, 1999 revealed that when this resident refuses medication,
she and other staff members will mix the resident’s medications
into his/her food.
(2)
(b) Further interview with this staff member revealed that she
is a home health aid and has no license that would permit her to
administer medications to a resident.
Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the
facility violated Rule 58A-5.0182(6), F.A.C., for again failing to follow
the correct method for management of medications as directed by the
resident’s health care provider.
6D. Pursuant to Rules 58A-5.0182(1), (2) and (2)(f), F.A.C., the facility shall
ensure that residents receive services appropriate to their needs. Personal supervision is
offered as appropriate for each resident. The facility shall contact the resident’s family,
guardian, health care surrogate, or health care provider and case manager or mental
health case manager when a resident exhibits a significant change or when there is an
emergency, in accordance with written procedures. This standard was not met as
evidenced by the following observations:
(1)
During a tour of the facility, Resident #2 was noted to have a
bruised right eye and a laceration above the right eyebrow. An interview
with the staff member on duty revealed that these injuries were sustained
from a recent fall.
(2)
(a) Further investigation and a review of the incident report for
this resident revealed that he/she had fallen on May 16, 1999 and
was taken to the emergency room. This report had no
documentation to indicate that this resident’s family or health care
provider had been contacted regarding this resident’s condition.
(b) The clinical record for Resident #2 was also reviewed and
revealed no evidence that this resident’s family or health care
provider had been contacted following this fall.
Based on record review, it was determined that the facility violated
Rules 58A-5.0182(1), (2) and (2)(f), F.A.C., for failing to contact the
resident’s family or health care provider when a resident has an
emergency.
6E. Pursuant to Section 400.428(1) and (3), F.S., interviews with residents and
consultation with the ombudsman council in the district verify that resident’s rights and
freedoms are protected and facilitated in accordance with the Resident Bill of Rights.
This standard was not miet as evidenced by the following observations:
qd) A review of Resident #1’s record revealed progress notes dating
from October 6, 1998 thru April 27, 1999, which indicated that this
resident often refused medications. An interview with the staff member
on duty at 9:45 a.m. on May 20, 1999 revealed that this resident continues
to refuse medications, therefore, to ensure the resident receives the
prescribed medication, she and other staff members mix the medications
into the resident’s food.
(a) Further investigation and interview with the staff member
revealed that this is done without the resident’s consent.
(2) Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the
facility violated Section 400.428(1) and (3), F.S., for violating one (1) of
five (5) residents right to make independent personal decisions.
7. Based on the foregoing, St. Catherine’s TLC has violated the
following:
(a) Tag A206 incorporates Rule 58A-5.024(1)(b), F.A.C.
(b) — Tag A301 incorporates Rule 58A-5.024(2)(c)3b-e, F.A.C.
(c) Tag A600 incorporates Rule 58A-5.0182(6), F.A.C.
(d) Tag A700 incorporates Rule 58A-5.0182(1)(2)(f, F.A.C.
(e) Tag A705 incorporates Section 400.428(1) and (3), F.S.
for the aforementioned violations.
8. The above referenced violations constitute grounds to levy this civil
penalty pursuant to Section 400.419, Florida Statutes, and Rule 58A-5.033, Florida
Administrative Code, in that the above referenced conduct of Respondent constitutes a
violation of the minimum standards, rules, and regulations for the operation of an
Assisted Living Facility.
NOTICE
Respondent is notified that it has a right to request an administrative hearing
pursuant to Section 120.57, Florida Statutes, to be represented by counsel (at its expense),
to take testimony, to call or cross-examine witnesses, to have subpoenas and/or
subpoenas duces tecum issued, and to present written evidence or argument if it requests
a hearing.
In order to obtain a formal proceeding under Section 120.57(1), Florida Statutes,
Respondent’s request must state which issues of material fact are disputed. Failure to
dispute material issues of fact in the request for a hearing, may be treated by the Agency
as an election by Respondent for an informal proceeding under Section 120.57(2), Florida
Statutes. All requests for hearing should be made to the Agency for Health Care
Administration, Attention: R.S. Power, Agency Clerk, Senior Attorney, 2727 Mahan
Drive, Building 3, Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403, with a copy sent to Christine T.
Messana, Esquire at the same address.
All payment of fines should be made by check, cashier’s check, or money order
and payable to the Agency for Health Care Administration. All checks, cashier’s checks,
and money orders should identify the AHCA number and facility name that is referenced
on page | of this complaint. All payment of fines should be sent to the Agency for
Health Care Administration, Attention: Christine T. Messana, Staff Attorney, General
Counsel’s Office, 2727 Mahan Drive, Building 3, Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403.
RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT THE FAILURE TO
REQUEST A HEARING WITHIN 21 DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THIS
COMPLAINT WILL RESULT IN AN ADMISSION OF THE FACTS ALLEGED
IN THE COMPLAINT AND THE ENTRY OF A FINAL ORDER BY THE
AGENCY.
Issued this 3 velday of Ape ' — , 2000. ZA y
Patricia i 277
Supervisor, Area 10
Agency for Health Care Administration
Health Quality Assurance
1400 W. Commercial Blvd., Suite 110
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33309
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the original complaint was sent by U.S. Mail, Return
Receipt Requested, to: Administrator, St. Catherine’s TLC, 9990 NW 41® Street,
Cooper City, Florida 33024 on this’3 vef day of Apes | , 2000.
Christine T. Messana, Esquire
Office of the General Counsel
Copies furnished to:
Christine T. Messana
Staff Attorney
Agency for Health Care
Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Building 3
Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403
Pete J. Buigas, Deputy Director
Managed Care and Health Quality
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Building 1
Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403
Area 10 Office
Gloria Collins, Finance & Accounting
13
Docket for Case No: 00-001677
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
May 29, 2001 |
Letters to J. Gallagher and Teri Donaldson from A. Cole forwarding Transcript of Proceedings sent out.
|
Feb. 09, 2001 |
Transcript filed. |
Jan. 11, 2001 |
Order Closing Files issued. CASE CLOSED.
|
Dec. 28, 2000 |
(Petitioner) Notice of Witness Participation in Tallahassee (filed via facsimile).
|
Dec. 08, 2000 |
Notice of Taking Deposition (filed via facsimile). |
Aug. 28, 2000 |
Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference issued (video hearing set for January 9 and 10, 2001; 9:00 a.m.; Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee, FL).
|
Aug. 14, 2000 |
Case Status (Joint) (filed via facsimile).
|
Aug. 07, 2000 |
Order issued. (Motion to Amend the Administrative Complaint is Granted)
|
Aug. 07, 2000 |
Order Granting Continuance issued (parties to advise status by August 21, 2000).
|
Jul. 31, 2000 |
Joint Stipulation. (filed via facsimile)
|
Jul. 25, 2000 |
Petitioner`s Motion for Continuance and Motion to Amend the Administrative Complaint. (filed via facsimile)
|
Jul. 21, 2000 |
Petitioner`s Notice of Filing Copies of Hearing Exhibits filed.
|
Jul. 19, 2000 |
*Amended Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference sent out. (hearing scheduled for 07/01-02/00: 9:00 A.M.)
|
Jul. 19, 2000 |
Notice of Appearance by Witness. (Petitioner) (filed via facsimile)
|
Jul. 18, 2000 |
Joint Prehearing Stipulation. (filed via facsimile)
|
May 15, 2000 |
Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference sent out. (hearing set for August 1 and 2, 2000; 9:00 a.m.; Ft. Lauderdale and Tallahassee, Fl.) 8/1/00)
|
May 15, 2000 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions sent out.
|
May 08, 2000 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
|
May 05, 2000 |
Joint Response to Initial Order (filed via facsimile).
|
Apr. 25, 2000 |
Initial Order issued. |
Apr. 20, 2000 |
Notice filed.
|
Apr. 20, 2000 |
Request for Formal Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Apr. 20, 2000 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Apr. 20, 2000 |
Agency Referral Letter filed.
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