Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: AVANTE AT MELBOURNE, INC.
Judges: DANIEL M. KILBRIDE
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Viera, Florida
Filed: Jan. 05, 2004
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Thursday, February 26, 2004.
Latest Update: Nov. 17, 2024
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STATE OF FLORIDA Palaeren|
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION '*~ *~
STATE OF FLORIDA 04
AGENCY FOR HEALTH
CARE ADMINISTRATION, Aub
Petitioner,
AHCA NO: 2003007654
vs.
AVANTE AT MELBOURNE, INC.,
Respondent.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the Agency for Health Care Administration
(hereinafter “AHCA”), by and through the undersigned counsel,
and files this Administrative Complaint against AVANTE AT
MELBOURNE, INC., (hereinafter “Respondent”) and alleges:
Nature of the Action
1. This is an action to impose a conditional licensure
status effective September 5, 2003 pursuant to Sections
400.102(1) (a) and (d), 400.23(7) (b), and 400.23(8) (b), Florida
Statutes.
2. The Respondent was originally cited for the deficiency
during the survey conducted on or about September 5, 2003.
Jurisdiction and Venue
3. The Agency has jurisdiction over the Respondent
pursuant to Chapter 400, Part II, Florida Statutes.
ono . _ 1
4. Venue lies in Brevard County, Division of
Administrative Hearings, pursuant to 120.57 Florida Statutes,
and Chapter 28, Florida Administrative Code.
Parties
5. AHCA, is the enforcing authority with regard to
nursing home licensure law pursuant to Chapter 400, Part II,
Florida Statutes and Rules 59A-4, Florida Administrative Code.
6. Respondent is a nursing home located at 1420 South Oak
Street, Melbourne, FL 32901. The facility is licensed under
Chapter 400, Part II, Florida Statutes and Chapter 59A-4,
Florida Administrative Code, having been issued license number
#SNF13360961.
COUNT I
RESPONDENT FAILED TO PROMOTE CARE FOR RESIDENTS IN A
MANNER AND IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT MAINTAINS OR ENHANCES
EACH RESIDENT’S DIGNITY AND RESPECT, IN FULL RECOGNITION
OF HIS OR HER INDIVIDUALITY.
Fla. Admin. Code R.59A-4.1288, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE
42 CFR § 483.15(a) (2002) AND §400.022(1) (n), F.S. (2002)
CLASS II DEFICIENCY
ISOLATED
7. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates (1) through (6) as if
fully set forth herein.
8. On or about September 5, 2003, a survey was conducted
at Respondent’s facility.
COO 2
9. Based on observation, interview and record review,
Respondent failed to prevent psychosocial harm to one random
sampled resident (RS#22), 2 sampled residents (#17 & #18), and
non-sampled residents with cognitive impairment ina sample of
21.
000
Findings :
Random sampled resident RS #22 had diagnoses of arteriosclerotic heart disease,
traumatic brain injury and hypoxia encephalopathy. The resident was an
independent individual living, in his/her own home prior to admission in April 3,
2003. Review of the history section in the resident's chart revealed that the
resident sustained anoxic encephalopathy. "The resident was extubated after
transfer to the nursing home and a peg tube was placed for feeding." Review of
the admission minimum data set (MDS), dated April 23, 2003, revealed the
resident had both impaired short and long-term memory. A review of the
resident's medication administration record (MAR) revealed Ativan was
prescribed for "extreme fear" and “panic”.
Review of the grievance log, dated May 9, 2003, revealed that certified nursing
assistant (CNA) #1 verbally abused resident RS #22. The CNA was overheard by
a therapist to say to the resident: "J thought I told you this morning not to do this
... (expletive) anymore. I am tired of dealing with this ... (expletive) all day long.”
Therapist (#1) was in the resident's room behind a curtain when the remark was
made by the CNA. The therapist stated in an interview at 11 :20 AM on
September 4, 2003, in a therapy office, that the comment to the resident "was not
right". Interview with therapist #1 revealed that the therapist thought CNA #1
was getting burned out. The therapist stated that CNA #1 usually goes out of her
way with residents "but she gets a little burned out.” The therapist thought that
the remark to the resident was inappropriate and an incident report was filed by
both therapist #1 and therapist #2. Therapist #2 heard only the last word in the
comment to the resident.
An interview with therapist #1 and therapist #2 took place in the conference room
at 3:30 PM on September 4, 2003. Therapist #2 had just entered resident RS
#22's room on May 9, 2003 and only heard the last part of the comment made by
CNA #1. Interview with therapist #2 at this time revealed that she had heard the
vulgar (expletive) word from CNA #1 on May 9, 2003 in the resident's room.
During this interview, therapist #1 repeated what she heard on May 9, 2003, and
both therapists confirmed their signatures on the incident report.
Interview at 3:45 p.m. on September 4, 2003 in the conference room with the
administrator, revealed that the former administrator reviewed the incident
000
report shortly after May 9, 2003. The decision made by the former administrator
at that time was that the incident should be classified as "unfounded". CNA #1
was not disciplined or found to have done anything wrong. No written
documentation of the rationale for the decision of the past administrator was
produced for review. Review of the CNA #1's personnel file found no mention of
the May 9, 2003 incident.
A review of CNA #1's personnel file revealed that on August 11, 2003, CNA #1
became involved in another incontinence issue involving another resident under
her care. According to facility documentation, on August 11, 2003, at around 12
noon, CNA #1 entered the therapy room and angrily confronted therapy staff in
front of other residents. CNA #1 wanted to know why therapy staff had put
resident #1 back to bed. Therapy staff explained to CNA #1 that resident #1 had
been brought to therapy, but smelled like he/she had soiled himself/herself. The
resident had also stated to therapy staff that he/she had to go to the bathroom.
Therapy staff explained they had returned the resident to his/her room to be
toileted. CNA #1 explained angrily that the resident was checked for toileting and
had not soiled himself/herself. For breaching the confidentiality of the resident,
CNA #1 was given a written reprimand and counseled according to an interview
with nursing and administration at 10:25 a.m. on September 4, 2003 in the
conference room.
Resident #17 had both an intact short-term and long-term memory according to
the most recent MDS dated July 29, 2003. Resident #17 lived on the north wing.
Interview with the resident at 11 AM on September 4, 2003 revealed several
issues regarding disrespectful treatment of residents by CNAs, especially on the
3-11 shift. Resident #17 stated that several CNAs, especially on the south wing,
were visibly unhappy about having to assist with the evening meal in the main
dining room on many occasions. He/she stated that they have a bad attitude and
make it known to the residents by speaking to them and handling their food in a
disrespectful manner. Review of the grievance log revealed this to be true as the
resident complained on May 2, 2003 of three cans of soda being thrown onto a
table where the resident was sitting, after requesting the sodas. The resident
stated: "after all, we didn't do anything wrong and we don't know why they act
that way towards us."
Interview revealed resident #17 had also observed his/her roommate being put
back to bed immediately after dinner because it was easier for the CNAs to get
their work done. He/she had commented to the CNAs that they shouldn't be
putting this resident back to bed so early since he/she gets up only periodically
during the day and it is a long night for him/her when he/she goes to bed so early.
The CNAs did not respond to resident #17 when he/she confronted them about
this.
He/she stated that he/she had also made complaints to the administration about the
noise level the CNAs generate at night and that often he/she is unable to sleep.
This issue had not been resolved.
A second interview with cognitively alert resident #17 took place on September 4,
2003 at 1:15 p.m. This interview revealed that the resident perceived comments
by staff members to be sarcastic and inappropriate. The resident stated that within
the past 6 months, a CNA yelled at a cognitively impaired resident: "shut the ...
(expletive) up." Resident #17 said: "T don't think it's fair" in reference to the
treatment of dependent and cognitively impaired residents. He/she stated that
CNA #2 speaks inappropriately and told a resident to "shut up" during this past
weekend. CNA #2 worked on the second shift (3-11). The resident also stated
that CNA #2 speaks inappropriately to residents who "can't help themselves. She
tells them to "shut up" or "you don't need that".
Interview with resident #RS 23 of the south wing took place on September 4,
2003 at 2:30 p.m. During the interview, the resident stated a CNA told a non-
sampled resident to "shut up" over the past weekend. The cognitively alert
resident stated that CNAs verbally abuse residents who can't take care of
themselves, the vulnerable residents. The resident stated that he/she had not been
abused because he/she is alert and can defend himself/herself. The resident stated
that confused and defenseless residents were targeted for verbal abuse because
they could not defend themselves.
During the group interview on September 3, 2003, at 9:45 a.m., a cognitively alert
resident living on the south wing stated that he/she had waited 45 minutes to go to
the bathroom after using the call light. The cognitively alert resident stated that it
was difficult to get assistance at this time due to the shift change at 11 p.m. The
second shift (3-11) delayed care in order to have third shift personnel provide the
continence care. The resident stated that his/her roommate also watched the clock
and timed the incident on this night.
During the group interview on September 3, 2003, at 9:45 a.m., two cognitively
alert residents stated a CNA took off her shoe and scratched her foot in the dining
room during a meal. The CNA then proceeded to assist residents with their meals
without first washing her hands. The residents were specific in that it occurred on
Saturday, August 30, 2003. This incident was reported to the director of nursing
(DON). Interview with the DON at 10:00 a.m. on September 5, 2003 in the
conference room confirmed the fact that residents had reported the incident to the
DON.
Observation during an interview with resident RS #22 in his/her room at 1 PM on
September 4, 2003, revealed a staff member opened the door without knocking
first. Four residents lived in the room.
Resident #17 stated that he/she had also made complaints to administration about
the noise level the CNAs generate at night and that often he/she was unable to
sleep. This issue had not been resolved.
10. The above actions or inactions are a violation of
42 CFR 483.20(k) (2002), which requires the facility to promote
care for residents in a manner and in an environment that
maintains or enhances each resident’s dignity and respect in
full recognition of his or her individuality.
11. The above actions or inactions are a violation of
Section 400.022(1)(n), Florida Statutes (2002), which requires
the facility to treat its residents courteously, fairly and with
the fullest measure of dignity.
12. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes,
the foregoing is an “isolated” class II deficiency and as such,
has compromised the resident’s ability to maintain or reach his
or her highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial
well-being, as defined by an accurate and comprehensive resident
assessment, plan of care, and provision of services.
13. The above referenced violation therefore, constitutes
the grounds for the imposed Class II deficiency authorized
pursuant to Sections pursuant to Sections 400.102(1) (a) and (d),
and 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes.
14. The Agency seeks to impose a Conditional Licensure
Status effective September 5, 2003 through September 30, 2003,
based on the Class II deficiency, as authorized under Sections
400.102(1) (a) and (d), 400.23(7) (b), and 400.23(8) (b), Florida
Statutes.
000 6
WHEREFORE, AHCA requests this Court to order the following
relief:
A. Make factual and legal findings in favor of the Agency
on Count I;
B. Recommend that the change of licensure status
effective September 5, 2003 through September 30, 2003, from
Standard to Conditional be upheld; and
Cc. Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs; and
D. All other general and equitable relief allowed by law.
DISPLAY OF LICENSE
Pursuant to Section 400.23(7) (e), Florida Statutes, AVANTE
AT MELBOURNE, INC., shall post the license in a prominent place
that is in clear and unobstructed public view at or near the
place where residents are being admitted to the facility.
NOTICE
Respondent is notified that it has a right to request an
administrative hearing pursuant to Section 120.569, Florida
Statutes. Specific options for administrative action are set
out in the attached Explanation of Rights (one page) and
Election of Rights (one page).
All requests for hearing shall be made to the attention of:
Lealand McCharen, Agency Clerk, Agency for Health Care
Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, Bldg #3, MS #3, Tallahassee,
Florida, 32308, (850) 922-5873.
RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT A REQUEST FOR HEARING
MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THIS COMPLAINT OR
WILL RESULT IN AN ADMISSION OF THE FACTS ALLEGED IN THE
COMPLAINT AND THE ENTRY OF A FINAL ORDER BY THE AGENCY.
Respectfully submitted,
Katrina D. Lacy, Esquire
Florida Bar No. 0277400
Senior Attorney
Office of the General Counsel
Agency for Health Care Admin.
525 Mirror Lake Drive North, 330G
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
OFFICE: (727) 552-1525
FAX: (727) 552-1440
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing has been furnished via U.S. Certified Mail Return
Receipt No. 7003 1010 0003 4303 8555 to Corporation Service
Company, 1201 Hays Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301-2525 dated on
November /F/* 2003.
atrina D. Lacy, Tetuixe
Copies furnished to:
Corporation Service Company.
Registered Agent for
Avante at Melbourne, Inc.
1201 Hays Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301-2525
(U.S. Certified Mail)
Thomas L. McDaniel, Administrator
Avante at Melbourne, Inc.
1420 South Oak Street
Melbourne, FL 32901
(U.S. Mail)
Katrina D. Lacy
AHCA - Senior Attorney
525 Mirror Lake Drive Suite 330G
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Docket for Case No: 04-000023
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Apr. 29, 2004 |
Final Order filed.
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Feb. 26, 2004 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Feb. 25, 2004 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction (filed by Petitioner via facsimile).
|
Feb. 10, 2004 |
Petitioner`s First Set of Request for Admission, Interrogatories, and Request for Production of Documents (filed via facsimile).
|
Jan. 13, 2004 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Jan. 13, 2004 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for March 3, 2004; 9:00 a.m.; Viera, FL).
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Jan. 12, 2004 |
Response to Initial Order (filed by Respondent via facsimile).
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Jan. 06, 2004 |
Initial Order.
|
Jan. 05, 2004 |
Conditional License filed.
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Jan. 05, 2004 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Jan. 05, 2004 |
Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing and Answer to Administrative Complaint filed.
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Jan. 05, 2004 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
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