Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: NICOLAS & SHERRI CICCARELLO, D/B/A SHARICK`S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH
Judges: WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: St. Petersburg, Florida
Filed: Jun. 17, 2003
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, September 19, 2003.
Latest Update: Feb. 07, 2025
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION,
Petitioner, AHCA No.: 2003001713
Return Receipt Requested: of
Vv. 7000 1670 0011 4849 se6at! 7!”
7000 1670 0011 4849 5870 “WHelY
NICOLAS & SHERRI CICCARELLO, 7000 1670 0011 4849 5887 “jill?
(OWNERS) a/b/a SHARICK’S DECK
RETIREMENT RANCH,
Respondent. 0 Ds - o yb
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the Agency for Health Care Administration
(hereinafter “AHCA” or the “Agency”), by and through the
undersigned counsel, and files this administrative
complaint against Nicolas & Sherri Ciccarello, Owners,
d/b/a Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch (hereinafter
“Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch” or the “facility”),
pursuant to Chapter 400, Part III and Section 120.60,
Florida Statutes, (2002), and alleges:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is an action to impose and maintain the
Agency’s administrative fine of $4,400.00 pursuant to
Sactions 400.414, 400.419, Florida Statutes (2002), for the
protection of the public health, safety and welfare.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
2. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Sections
120.569 and 120.57 Florida Statutes and Chapter 28-106,
Florida Administrative Code.
3. venue lies in Hillsborough County pursuant to
Section 120.57 Florida Statutes and Rule 28-106.207,
Florida Administrative Code.
PARTIES
4. AHCA is the regulatory authority responsible for
licensure and enforcement of all applicable statutes and
rules governing assisted living facilities, pursuant to
Chapter 400, Part III, Florida Statutes (2002) and Chapter
58A-5 Florida Administrative Code.
5. Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch operates a 25-bed
assisted living facility located at 4508 Bruton Road, Plant
city, Florida 33565. Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch is
licensed as an assisted living facility under license
number 5335. Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch was at all
~imes material hereto a licensed facility under the
Licensing authority of AHCA and was required to comply with
all applicable rules and statutes.
COUNT I
SHARICK’S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH FAILED TO HAVE FINANCIAL
RECORDS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW BY THE AGENCY.
RULES 58A-5.021(2), and/or 58A-5.024, FLORIDA
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, and/or SECTION 400.417(3), FLORIDA
STATUTES.
(RECORDS STANDARDS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III VIOLATION
6. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
7. Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch was cited with
eight (8) uncorrected Class III violations pursuant to
surveys conducted by the Agency on 1/28/03 and 2/27/03.
8. Based on the complaint investigation conducted by
the Agency on January 28, 2003 and based staff interviews,
the Agency found that the facility did not have fiscal
records available for review by the Agency on the day of
the survey. The findings include the following, to wit:
9. During an interview at approximately 12:56 p.m.
on 01/28/03, the Administrator indicated the financial
records were not at the facility, but were at his home.
Given these records were not made available prior to the
exit conference on 01/28/03, the facility did not have the
following required financial records on the day of the
survey:
a. Written business records which accurately
reflect the facility's assets and liabilities and income
and expenses.
b. Income from residents that had been identified
by resident name in supporting documents, and income and
expenses from other sources, such as from day care or
interest on facility funds, shall be separately identified.
10. The mandated correction date was designated as
February 27, 2003.
11. Based on a follow-up survey conducted on February
28, 2003 and based on staff interviews, the Agency again
found that the facility did not have fiscal records
available for review by the Agency on the day of the
revisit survey of 2/28/03. The findings include the
following, to wit:
12. During an interview at approximately 10:30a.m. on
02/28/03, the Administrator indicated the financial records
were not at the facility, but were at his home. Given these
records were not made available prior to the exit
conference on 02/8/03, the facility did not have the
following required financial records on the day of the
survey:
a. Written business records which accurately
reflect the facility's assets and liabilities and income
and expenses.
b. Income from residents that had been
identified by resident name in supporting documents, and
income and expenses from other sources, such as from day
care or interest on facility funds, shall be separately
identified.
13. Based on the foregoing, Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch violated Rules 58A-5.021(2), and/or 58A-5.024,
Florida Administrative Code, and/or Section 400.417(3),
Florida Statutes, (2002), herein classified as an
uncorrected Class II violation pursuant to Section
400.419(1) (c), Florida Statutes, (2002), which carries an
assessed fine of $500.00.
COUNT ITI
SHARICK’S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH FAILED TO MAINTAIN A
WRITTEN GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE.
RULES 58A-5.024(1) (k), and/or 58A-5.0182(6) (b), FLORIDA
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, and/or SECTION 400.428, FLORIDA
STATUTES.
(FACILITY RECORDS STANDARDS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III VIOLATION
14. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (7) as if fully set forth herein.
15. Based on the complaint investigation conducted on
January 28, 2003 and based on record reviews and an
interview with the staff, the Agency found that the
facility/Administrator failed to maintain a written
grievance procedure for receiving and responding to
resident complaints and recommendations.
The findings include the following, to wit:
16. During a review of the facility's records and an
interview with the Administrator, indicated there was no
documentation of the facility's complaint procedure,
complaints received, and how the facility responded to
complaints they had received. During an interview at
approximately 1:18 p.m. on 01/28/03, the
Owner/Administrator stated, "It's with our log book, I have
a new log book now."
17. The mandated correction date was designated as
February 27, 2003.
18. Based on the follow-up survey conducted on
February 28, 2003 and based on an interview with the staff
on the day of this re-visit (2/28/03), the Agency again
found that the facility/Administrator failed to maintain a
written grievance procedure for receiving and responding to
resident complaints and recommendations. The findings
-nclude the following, to wit:
19, There was no documentation of the facility's
complaint procedure, complaints received, and how the
facility responded to complaints they had received. During
an interview with the facility manager at approximately
11:00 am on 2/28/03 she indicated there was not a written
procedure available for review.
20. Based on the foregoing, Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch violated Rules 58A-5.024(1) (k), and/or 5S8A-
5.0182(6) (b), Florida Administrative Code, and/or Section
400.428, Florida Statutes, herein classified as an
uncorrected Class III violation pursuant to Section
400.419(1) (cj), Florida Statutes, (2002), which carries an
assessed fine of $500.00.
COUNT III
SHARICK’S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH FAILED TO HAVE A CURRENT
FIRE INSPECTION REPORT.
SECTION 400.441, FLORIDA STATUTES, and/or
RULES 58A-5.015(1) (a) (3), and/or 58A-5.024(1) (m), FLORIDA
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE.
(FACILITY RECORDS STANDARDS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III VIOLATION
21. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
22. Based on the complaint investigation conducted on
January 28, 2003 and based on record review and an
interview, the facility did not maintain and/or provide
satisfactory fire safety inspection reports issued by the
local authority having jurisdiction or the State Fire
Marshal within the last year. The findings include the
following.
23. During a xreview of the ALF's fire inspection
reports and an interview with the Administrator/Owner,
revealed the last Fire Department's inspection was
conducted on 06/28/01 or more than a year and a half ago.
During an interview at approximately 10:42 a.m. on
01/28/03, the Administrator/Owner stated, "We had one done
last year, i= not, I can send one to you."
24, The mandated correction date was designated as
February 27, 2003.
25, Based on the follow-up survey conducted = on
February 28, 2003 and based on an interview, the facility
did not maintain and/or provide satisfactory fire safety
inspection reports issued by the local authority having
jurisdiction or the State Fire Marshal within the last
year. The findings include the following.
26. During the re-visit of 2/28/03, the facility
manager indicated that the local fire department had been
contacted and requested to conduct an annual inspection but
they had not come to the facility as yet. The fire
inspection report available for review was dated 6/28/01.
27. Based on the foregoing, Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch violated Section 400.441, Florida Statutes and Rule
58A-5.015(1) (a) Florida Administrative Code, herein
classified as n uncorrected Class III violation pursuant to
Section 400.419(1) (c), Florida Statutes, (2002), which
carries an assessed fine of $500.00.
COUNT IV
SHARICK’S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH FAILED TO HAVE RESIDENT
CONTRACTS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW.
RULE 58A-5.024(3) (i), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(RESIDENT RECORD STANDARDS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III VIOLATION
28. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
29, Based on the complaint investigation conducted on
January 28, 2003 and based on_ record review and an
interview with the Administrator, the Agency found that the
facility failed to have resident contracts available for
review by the Agency. The Agency determined that two of
three records did not include the required information
regarding the signed contract between the resident and the
facility. The findings include the following, to wit:
30. Resident #2’s and resident #3's clinical records
were reviewed and the Administrator interviewed at 11:00
a.m. It revealed that the resident files did not contain
signed contracts between the facility and the residents.
31. The mandated correction date was designated as
February 27, 2003.
32. Based on the follow-up survey conducted on
February 28, 2003 and based on an interview with the
Administrator during the re-visit of 2/28/03 at
approximately 10:30 AM, the Agency again found that the
facility failed to have resident contracts available for
review by the Agency. The Administrator stated that the
contracts for the residents (#2 6 3) were not at the
facility but were at his home. The administrator stated
that he does not keep this information at the facility, and
that this is a recurring issue, at every survey. During
conversation, the administrator stated he could fax the
information the following day, but could not bring or fax
the contracts to the facility at the time of this visit.
33. Based on the foregoing, Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch violated Rule 58A-5.024(3) (i), Florida Administrative
Code, herein classified as an uncorrected Class IIl
violation pursuant to Section 400.419(1) (c), Florida
Statutes, (2002), which carries an assessed fine of
$500.00.
10
COUNT V
SHARICK’S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH FAILED TO HAVE STAFF
TRAINING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.
RULE 58A-5.0191(2) (b), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(STAFFING STANDARDS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III VIOLATION
34. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
35. Based on the complaint investigation conducted on
January 28, 2003 and based on record reviews and interview,
the Agency found that the facility failed to have staff
training in the implementation of emergency procedures.
The administrator did not ensure that staff who provide
direct care to residents had received the training required
by the Rule or Florida Administrative Code, for two out of
four Employee's sampled. The findings include the
following, to wit:
36. Employee #2 hired 11/15/01 and Employee #3 hired
07/28/02, did not have documented evidence in his/her
personnel files of having received a minimum of 1 hour in-
service training within 30 days of employment on _ the
facility emergency procedures including chain of command
and staff roles relating to emergency evacuation. During
an interview at approximately 1:01 p.m. on 01/28/03, the
Administrator stated, “I did it, but does it have to be
documented?"
37. The mandated correction date was designated as
February 27, 2003.
38. Based on the follow-up survey conducted on
February 28, 2003 and based on record reviews and interview
at the time of this re-visit of 2/28/03, the Agency again
found that the facility failed to have staff training in
the implementation of emergency procedures. The
administrator did not ensure that staff who provide direct
care to residents had received the training required by the
Rule or Florida Administrative Code, for one employee
sampled. The findings include the following, to wit:
39. One employee did not have documented evidence in
his/her personnel files of having received a minimum of 1
hour in-service training within 30 days of employment on
the facility emergency procedures including chain of
command and staff roles relating to emergency evacuation.
40. Based on the foregoing, Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch violated Rule 58A-5.0191(2) (b), Florida
Administrative Code, herein classified as an uncorrected
Class III violation pursuant to Section 400.419(1)(c),
Florida Statutes, (2002), which carries an assessed fine of
$500.00.
12
COUNT VI
SHARICK’S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH FAILED TO HAVE STAFF
TRAINED IN REPORTING ABUSE AND RESIDENT RIGHTS.
RULE 58A-5.0191(2) (c), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(STAFFING STANDARDS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III VIOLATION
41. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
42. Based on the complaint investigation conducted on
January 28, 2003 and based on record reviews and interview,
the Agency found that the facility failed to have staff
trained in reporting abuse and resident rights. The
Administrator did not ensure that staff who provide care to
residents, who have not taken the core training program,
had received the required training per the Rule or Florida
Administrative Code, for two out of four Employee records
sampled. The findings include the following, to wit:
43. Two employees (#2 and #3) who did not take the
Core training did not have documented evidence in his/her
personnel file of having received a minimum of 1 hour in-
service training within 30 days of employment in the
following required areas:
a. Resident rights in an assisted living
facility.
b. Recognizing and reporting resident abuse,
neglect, and exploitation.
44. The mandated correction date is designated as
February 27, 2003.
45. Based on the follow-up survey conducted on
February 28, 2003 and based on record reviews on the day of
tais re-visit and interview with the facility manager, the
Agency again found that the facility failed to have staff
trained in reporting abuse and resident rights. The
Administrator did not ensure that staff who provide care to
residents, who have not taken the core training program,
had received the required training per the Rule or Florida
Administrative Code. The findings include the following,
to wit:
46. Two employees who did not take the Core training
did not have documented evidence in his/her personnel file
ef having received a minimum of 1 hour in-service training
within 30 cays of employment in the following required
areas:
a. Resident rights in an assisted living
facility.
b. Recognizing and reporting resident abuse,
neglect, and exploitation.
14
47. Based on the foregoing, Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch violated Rule 58A-5.0191(2) (c), Florida
Administrative Code, herein classified as an uncorrected
Class III violation pursuant to Section 400.419(1) (c),
Florida Statutes, (2002), which carries an assessed fine of
$500.00.
COUNT VII
SHARICK’S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH FAILED TO TRAIN STAFF IN
RESIDENT BEHAVIOR AND NEEDS.
RULE 58A-5.0191(2) (d), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(STAFFING STANDARDS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III VIOLATION
48. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
49. Based on the complaint investigation conducted on
January 28, 2003 and based on record reviews and interview,
the Agency found that the Administrator failed to ensure
that staff who provide direct care to residents, other than
rurses, CNAs, or home health aides, had received the
required training in resident behavior and needs, per the
Rule or Florida Administrative Code, for two out of four
Employee records sampled. The findings include the
following, to wit:
50. Two (#2 and #3) staff members did not have
documented evidence in their personnel files of having
received training in accordance with Rule 59A-8.0095 by
receiving 3 nours of in-service training within 30 days of
employment in the following areas:
a. resident behavior and needs.
b. providing assistance with activities of daily
living.
51. During an interview at approximately 11:44 a.m.
on 011/28/03, the Administrator indicated he would have to
ask another staff member which staff had the training.
52. During an interview at approximately 12:00 p.m.
on 011/28/03, the Administrator further indicated none of
his employees were RNs, LPN,s or C.N.A.'S.
53. The mandated correction date was designated as
February 27, 2003.
54, Based on the follow-up survey conducted = on
February 28, 2003 and based on record reviews and interview
with the facility manager on the day of this re-visit, the
Agency found that the Administrator failed to ensure that
staff who provide direct care to residents, other than
nurses, CNAs, or home health aides, had received the
required training in resident behavior and needs, per the
16
Rule or Florida Administrative Code. The Administrator did
not ensure staff who provide care to residents' received
the training as required within 30 days of employment. The
findings include the following, to wit:
55. Two staff members did not have documented
evidence in their personnel files of having received
training in accordance with Rule 58A-5.0191(2) and Rule
59A-8.0095, in resident behavior and needs.
56. Based on the foregoing, Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch viclated Rule 58A-5.0191(2) (d), Florida
Administrative Code, herein classified as an uncorrected
Class III violation pursuant to Section 400.419(1) (c),
Florida Statutes, (2002), which carries an assessed fine of
$500.00.
COUNT VIII
SHARICK’S DECK RETIREMENT RANCH FAILED TO MAINTAIN THE
FACILITY’S PHYSICAL STRUCTURE IN GOOD REPAIR.
RULE 58A-5.023(1) (b), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(PHYSICAL PLANT STANDARDS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III VIOLATION
57. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
58. Based on the complaint investigation conducted on
January 28, 2003 and based on observation and an interview,
7
the Agency found that Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch
failed to maintain the facility's physical structure,
including the interior walls, in good repair. The findings
include the following, to wit:
59. During the tour of the facility at approximately
10:40 a.m., it was discovered that the bathroom nearest the
working kitchen was missing the interior molding on the
inside of the bathroom door. The Administrator's interview
at approximately 2:50 p.m. revealed that one of the
residents in a wheel chair probably tore it off.
60. The mandated correction date was designated as
February 27, 2003.
61. Based on the follow-up survey conducted = on
February 28, 2003 and based on observation and an interview
on the day of this re-visit of 2/28/03, the Agency found
that Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch failed to maintain the
facility's physical structure, including the interior
walls, in good repair. The findings include the following:
62. During the tour of the facility at approximately
11:00 a.m., it was learned the bathroom nearest the working
kitchen was missing the interior molding on the inside of
the bathroom door had still not been repaired, although
cited during the annual survey of 1/28/03, and had been
assigned a mandated correction date of February 27, 2003.
18
63. Based on the foregoing, Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch violated Rule 58A-5.023(1){(b) Florida Administrative
Code, herein classified as an uncorrected Class III
violation pursuant to Section 400.419(1) (c), Florida
Statutes, (2002), which carries an assessed fine of
$500.00.
SURVEY FEE
64. Pursuant to Section 400.419(9), Florida statutes,
AHCA may assess a survey fee of $500.00 to cover the cost
of initial complaint investigations. A survey fee of
$400.00 was assessed in this instance.
CLAIM FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the Agency requests the Court to order the
following relief:
1. Enter a judgment in favor of the Agency for
Health Care Administration against Sharick’s Deck
Retirement Ranch on Counts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and
VIII.
2. Assess and maintain the Agency’s administrative
fine totaling $4,000.00 against Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch on Counts I through VIII, for the violations cited
above.
3. Assess and maintain the Agency’s survey fee of
$400.00 against Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch pursuant to
Section 400.419(9), Florida Statutes.
4, Assess costs related to the investigation and
prosecution of this matter, if the Court finds costs
applicable.
5. Grant such other relief as this Court deems is
just and proper.
Respondent is notified that it has a right to request an
administrative hearing pursuant to Sections 120.569 and
120.57, Florida Statutes (2002). Specific options for
administrative action are set out in the attached Election
of Rights and explained in the attached Explanation of
Rights. All requests for hearing shall be made to the
Agency for Health Care Administration, and delivered to the
Agency Clerk, Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727
Mahan Drive, MS #3, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.
RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT THE FAILURE TO RECEIVE
BR REQUEST FOR A HEARING WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (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.
20
Respectfully submitted,
(f~
Kathryn F. Fenske, Esq.
Assistant General Counsel
Agency for Health Care
Administration
Florida Bar No. 0142832
8355 N. W. 53 Street
Miami, Florida 33166
Copies furnished to:
Patricia Reid Caufman
Field Office Manager
Agency for Health Care
Administration
525 Mirror Lake Drive
Sebring Building - 4" Floor
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
(U.S. Mail)
Jean Lombardi
Finance and Accounting
Agency for Health Care
Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
Assisted Living Facility Unit Program
Agency for Health Care
Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
21
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing has been furnished by U.S. Certified Mail, Return
Receipt Requested to Nicolas Antonio Ciccarello,
Administrator, Sharick’s Deck Retirement Ranch, 4506 Bruton
Road, Plant City, Florida 33565; Sharick’s Deck Retirement
Ranch, Inc., 107 N. Alexander Street, Plant City, Florida
33567; Nicolas A. Ciccarello, 107 N. Alexander Street,
lag
Plant City, i 33567 on this SD } day of
i Cpe , 2003.
Kathryn F. Fenske, Esq.
22
Docket for Case No: 03-002250
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Nov. 18, 2004 |
Motion to Re-open Formal Administration Proceeding filed by Petitioner.
|
Sep. 19, 2003 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Sep. 18, 2003 |
Joint Motion to Hold Case in Abeyance (filed by Petitioner via facsimile).
|
Sep. 17, 2003 |
Order Denying Continuance.
|
Sep. 11, 2003 |
Motion for Continuance (filed by Respondent via facsimile).
|
Aug. 21, 2003 |
Notice and Certificate of Service of Petitioner`s First Set of Interrogatories to Respondent and Request for Production (filed via facsimile).
|
Jul. 09, 2003 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for September 22 and 23, 2003; 9:00 a.m.; St. Petersburg, FL).
|
Jul. 09, 2003 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Jul. 09, 2003 |
Order Granting Consolidation issued. (consolidated cases are: 03-002248, 03-002249, 03-002250)
|
Jul. 03, 2003 |
Notice of Substitution of Counsel and Request for Service (filed by W. Knight, Esquire, via facsimile).
|
Jul. 01, 2003 |
Joint Response to Initial Order and Motion to Consolidate (cases requested to be consolidated 03-2250, 03-2248, 03-2249) (filed by Petitioner via facsimile).
|
Jun. 18, 2003 |
Initial Order.
|
Jun. 17, 2003 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Jun. 17, 2003 |
Election of Rights for Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Jun. 17, 2003 |
Notice of Appearance/Amendment to the Request for Hearing (filed by C. O`Rourke, Esquire).
|
Jun. 17, 2003 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
|