Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: FLORIDA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER, INC., D/B/A TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL
Judges: CAROLYN S. HOLIFIELD
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Tampa, Florida
Filed: Jan. 21, 2009
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Wednesday, February 4, 2009.
Latest Update: Nov. 18, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA 4
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
STATE OF FLORIDA, yZ q . (S ty S 7] o. <
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION,
Petitioner,
vs. Fraes No. 2008012330
FLORIDA HEALTH SCIENCES
CENTER, INC., d/b/a
TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL,
Respondent.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency For Health Care Administration
(“hereinafter the Agency”), by and through its undersigned counsel, and files this Administrative
Complaint against the Respondent, Florida Health Sciences Center, Inc., d/b/a Tampa General
Hospital (“hereinafter the Respondent”), pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida
Statutes (2008), and alleges as follows:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
This is an action to impose an administrative fine against a hospital in the amount of
thirty two thousand dollars ($32,000.00).
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1. The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter pursuant to Sections 120.569
and 120.57, Florida Statutes (2008).
2. The Agency has jurisdiction over the Respondent pursuant to Sections 20.42 and
120.60, and Chapters 395, Part I, and 408, Part II, Florida Statutes (2008).
3. Venue lies pursuant to Rule 28-106.207 Florida Administrative Code.
PARTIES
4. The Agency is the licensing and regulatory authority that oversees hospitals in the
state of Florida and enforces the applicable federal and state regulations, statutes and rules that
govern such facilities. Chs. 395, Part I, 408, Part II, Fla. Stat. (2008), Ch. 59A-3, Fla. Admin.
Code. The Agency may deny, revoke, and suspend any license issued to a hospital, or impose an
administrative fine, for a violation of the Health Care Licensing Procedures Act, the authorizing
statutes or applicable rules. §§ 408.813, 408.815, 408.831, 395.003, 395.1041, 395.1065, Fla.
Stat. (2008).
5. The Respondent was issued a license by the Agency (License Number 4044) to
operate an 877-bed hospital located at 2 Columbia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33606 (hereinafter “the
Facility”), and was at all times material required to comply with the applicable federal and state
regulations, statutes and rules.
COUNT I (Tag 120
The Respondent Failed To Ensure That Nursing Staff Assessed,
Planned, Intervened And Evaluated Patients
In Violation Of F.A.C. 59A-3.2085
6. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 5.
7. Under Florida law, each hospital shall be organized and staffed to provide quality
nursing care to each patient. Where a hospital’s organizational structure does not havea nursing
department or service, it shall document the organizational steps it has taken to assure that
oversight of the quality of nursing care provided to each patient is accomplished. Fla. Admin.
Code R. 59A-3.2085(5).
8. Under Florida law, each hospital shall document the relationship of the nursing
department to other units of the hospital by an organizational chart, and each nursing department
shall have a written organizational plan that delineates lines of authority, accountability and
communication. The nursing department shall assure that the following nursing management
functions are fulfilled: 1. Review and approval of policies and procedures that relate to
qualifications and employment of nurses. 2. Establishment of standards for nursing care and
mechanisms for evaluating such care. 3. Implementing approved policies of the nursing
department. 4. Assuring that a written evaluation is made of the performance of registered
nurses and ancillary nursing personnel at the end of any probationary period and at a defined
interval thereafter. 5. Each hospital shall employ a registered nurse on a full time basis who shall
have the authority and responsibility for managing nursing services and taking ail reasonable
steps to assure that a uniformly optimal level of nursing care is provided throughout the hospital.
Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.2085(5)(a).
9. Under Florida law, the registered nurse shall be responsible for ensuring that a
review and evaluation of the quality and appropriateness of nursing care is accomplished. The
review and evaluation shall be based on written criteria, shall be performed at least quarterly, and
shall examine the provision of nursing care and its effect on patients. Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-
3.2085(5)(b).
10. Under Florida law, the registered nurse shall ensure that education and training
programs for nursing personnel are available and are designed to augment nurses’ knowledge of
pertinent new developments in patient care and maintain current competence. Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation training shall be conducted as often as necessary, but not less than annually, for all
nursing staff members who cannot otherwise document their competence. Fla. Admin. Code R.
59A-3.2085(5)(c).
11. Under Florida law, each hospital shall develop written standards of nursing
practice and related policies and procedures to define and describe the scope and conduct of
patient care provided by the nursing staff. These policies and procedures shall be reviewed at
least annually, revised as necessary, dated to indicate the time of the last review, signed by the
responsible reviewing authority, and enforced. Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.2085(5)(d).
12. Under Florida law, the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention and
evaluation shall be documented for each hospitalized patient from admission through discharge.
1. Each patient’s nursing needs shall be assessed by a registered nurse at the time of admission or
within the period established by each facility’s policy. 2. Nursing goals shall be consistent with
the therapy prescribed by the responsible medical practitioner. 3. Nursing intervention and
patient response, and patient status on discharge from the hospital, must be noted on the medical
record. Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.2085(5)(e).
13. Under Florida law, all rehabilitation, psychiatric, and substance abuse programs
provided by hospitals shall provide to the patient: (a) An evaluation upon referral; (b)
Establishment of goals; (c) Development of a plan of treatment, including discharge planning, in
coordination with the referring individual and rehabilitation staff, and after discussion with the
patient and family; (d) Regular and frequent assessment, performed on an interdisciplinary basis,
of the patient’s condition and progress, and of the results of treatment; (e) Maintenance of
treatment and progress records; and (f) At least a quarterly assessment of the quality and
appropriateness of the care provided. Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.278(1)(a)-(f).
14. Under Florida law, the scope of services offered, and the relationship of the
rehabilitation, psychiatric or substance abuse program to other hospital units, as well as ail
supervisory relationships within the program, shall be defined in writing. Responsibility for the
performance of clinical services also shall be clearly defined. Delegation of authority within the
program shall be specified in job descriptions and in organizational plans. Written policies and
procedures to guide the operation of the rehabilitation program shall be developed and reviewed
at least annually, revised as necessary, dated to indicate the time of last revision, and enforced.
Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.278(3).
15. Under Florida law, there shall be a current written plan of care for each patient
receiving rehabilitative, psychiatric or substance abuse services. The plan shall state the
diagnosis, and problem list when appropriate, pertinent to the rehabilitation or treatment process;
precautions necessitated by the patient’s general medical condition or other factors; the short-
term and long-term goals of the treatment program; and require monthly or more frequent review
of the patient’s progress.. The medical record and the written plan shall evidence a team
approach, with participation of the professional and administrative staffs, the patient, and, as
appropriate, the patient’s family. The medical record shall document the written instructions
given to the patient and the family concerning appropriate care after discharge from the hospital.
59A-3.278(4).
16. Under Florida law, all rehabilitation, psychiatric, and substance abuse programs
provided by hospitals shall provide to the patient: (a) An evaluation upon referral; (b)
Establishment of goals; (c) Development of a plan of treatment, including discharge planning, in
coordination with the referring individual and rehabilitation staff, and after discussion with the
patient and family; (d) Regular and frequent assessment, performed on an interdisciplinary basis,
of the patient’s condition and progress, and of the results of treatment; (ec) Maintenance of
treatment and progress records; and (f) At least a quarterly assessment of the quality and
appropriateness of the care provided. Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.278(1)(a)-(f).
17. Under Florida law, the scope of services offered, and the relationship of the
rehabilitation, psychiatric or substance abuse program to other hospital units, as well as all
supervisory relationships within the program, shall be defined in writing. Responsibility for the
performance of clinical services also shall be clearly defined. Delegation of authority within the
program shall be specified in job descriptions and in organizational plans. Written policies and
procedures to guide the operation of the rehabilitation program shall be developed and reviewed
at least annually, revised as necessary, dated to indicate the time of last revision, and enforced.
Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.278(3).
18. Under Florida law, there shall be a current written plan of care for each patient
receiving rehabilitative, psychiatric or substance abuse services. The plan shall state the
diagnosis, and problem list when appropriate, pertinent to the rehabilitation or treatment process;
precautions necessitated by the patient’s general medical condition or other factors; the short-
term and long-term goals of the treatment program; and require monthly or more frequent review
of the patient’s progress. The medical record and the written plan shall evidence a team
approach, with participation of the professional and administrative staffs, the patient, and, as
appropriate, the patient’s family. The medical record shall document the written instructions
given to the patient and the family concerning appropriate care after discharge from the hospital.
59A-3.278(4).
19. On or about August 14, 2008, the Agency conducted a complaint survey of the
Respondent and its Facility (CCR# 2008009559/FL00039557).
20. Based upon observation, interviews, and a review of the Facility’s policies and
procedures, documentation, and clinical records, it was determined that the Respondent failed to
ensure the nursing staff did not assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate the nursing care for seven
(#1, #4, #6, #3, #5, #7, #8) of nine psychiatric patients reviewed. This practice caused harm to
two psychiatric patients and potential harm to other psychiatric patients.
Patient #1
21. According to Patient #1's psychiatric evaluation admission form dated July 18,
2008, the Patient was admitted from the Emergency Room with a chief complaint of suicidal
ideation.
22. The Patient also had a history of self-mutilation and a prior suicide attempt.
23. The documentation showed a long history of a borderline personality disorder as
well as ongoing depression.
24. — The Patient had been Baker Acted by the emergency room physician.
25. According to admission nursing documentation dated July 18, 2008, at 11:30
p.m., the Patient was admitted with suicidal ideation and a history that included self-mutilation, a
prior suicide attempt and depression.
26. The information showed that the Patient had told the emergency room staff that
he or she had hid razors and pills inside of personal products and that the Patient stated that he or
she would kill himself or herself on the psychiatric unit (7F).
27. The documentation indicated that the Patient stated that he or she was suicidal and
could not contract for safety.
28. The Patient was placed on suicide precautions.
29. A review of the Inpatient Suicide Risk Assessment and Evaluation dated July 18,
2008, at 10:00 p.m., noted that the Patient was suicidal and could not contract for safety.
30. A review of Verbal Telephone Psychiatric physician orders dated July 19, 2008,
at 12:30 a.m., revealed instructions to place the Patient on suicide precaution and an observation
level of safety checks every fifteen minutes.
31. Nursing documentation dated July 19, 2008, at 10:00 p.m., showed that the
Patient was having fleeting suicidal thoughts.
32. Psychiatric physician documentation dated July 20, 2008, indicated that the
Patient had fantasies about self-injurious thoughts and suicidal ideation, but contracted for safety.
33. Nursing documentation dated July 20, 2008, at 2:11 p.m., noted that the Patient
was focused on ways of hurting himself or herself.
34. Psychiatric physician documentation dated July 21, 2008, noted that the Patient
continued to be suicidal, denied intent, but fantasized about ways to kill himself or herself.
35. A review of the every fifteen minute safety check log noted that from 6:30 p.m.
until 8:00 p.m., the Patient was in his or her room.
36. Nursing documentation dated July 21, 2008, at 10:00 p.m., indicated that at the
beginning of the 3-11 shift, the Patient denied suicide ideation and was later noted to be walking
in and out of his or her room frequently.
37. | The documentation showed that at 8:16 p.m. the Patient was found slumped over
with a sheet around his or her neck and attached to the closet door.
38. A review of the code sheet documentation dated July 21, 2008, at 8:20 p.m.,
revealed that the Patient was resuscitated, transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, and expired on
July 22, 2008, at 5:51 a.m.
39. A review of the Inpatient Suicide Risk Assessment and Evaluation dated July 21,
2008, at 8:10 a.m., noted that the Patient indicated the presence of suicidal thoughts.
40. Documentation at 3:30 p.m. noted that the Patient denied any suicidal thoughts
because he or she was in a safe place.
41. A review of the clinical record and an interview with the Vice President of Patient
Care Services, Unit Manager, and Risk Management Specialist, on August 13, 2008, at
approximately 4:10 p.m., revealed no further documentation regarding the Inpatient Suicide Risk
Assessment and Evaluation for July 19-20, 2008.
42. A review of the policy and procedure Suicide Prevention Protocol #TX-18, dated
July 2008, revealed instructions to complete the suicide assessment on admission and twice a day
if a patient was determined to be at risk.
43. The instructions stated to consult with the physician, begin close observation,
obtain a physician order, and accompany the patient in non monitored areas.
44. A review of the policy and procedure titled "Levels of Observation on the
Psychiatric Unit " L-1, dated February 2007, did not reveal any evidence of what type of patients
are to be considered for the different levels of observation.
45. A review of the policies and procedures as well as the clinical records did not
reveal any evidence of the Inpatient Suicide Risk Assessment Evaluation being completed on
July 19-20, 2008.
46. The review also did not reveal any evidence that the Patient was assessed for the
need of a higher level of observation despite ongoing suicidal thoughts, a pertinent history from
the time of admission to the time of the incident, and thoughts of hurting himself or herself.
Patient #4
47. According to Patient #4's admission documentation, the Patient was admitted to
the psychiatric unit (7F) from the emergency room on June 21, 2008.
48. The documentation revealed that the Patient had been Baker Acted and was
confused.
49. During an interview with the Patient's psychiatrist on August 13, 2008, at 1:45
p.m., it was noted that the Patient was assessed as a low risk for suicide and was on every fifteen
minutes safety checks.
50. A review of the admission orders dated June 21, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., revealed that
the Patient was to be on every fifteen minute safety checks.
51.. A review of the fifteen minute observation log for the fifteen minute safety checks
on July 4, 2008, at 6:15 am., 6:30 am., 6:45 am. and 7:00 am., did not reveal any
documentation that the fifteen minute safety check had been conducted.
52. During an interview with the Nurse Unit Manager of the psychiatric unit (7F) on
August 13, 2008, at approximately 1:00 p.m., it was revealed that the log was to be documented
every fifteen minutes to account for patient safety.
53. A review of the progress notes dated July 22, 2008, at 10:30 p.m., revealed that
the Patient was assessed for an alteration in his or her thought process.
54. The Patient was out on the unit, but did not attend group therapy.
55. . The Patient requested to be moved to a different room because his or her
roommate had gastrointestinal distress and the room smelled bad.
56. The Patient was noted to be moved to a different room.
57. During an interview with the Nurse Unit Manager of psychiatric unit 7F on
August 13, 2008, at approximately 1:00 p.m., it was revealed that Patient #4 was moved to a
room where a previous patient had hung himself or herself from a closet door with a bed sheet on
July 21, 2008, at approximately 8:15 p.m.
58. During an interview with the Vice President of Patient Services on July 13, 2008,
at approximately 1:00 p.m., it was revealed that all of the patients on the unit were given a
debriefing after the July 21, 2008, suicide on 7F.
59. A review of the Patient #4’s clinical record revealed no documentation of an
assessment of the Patient's feelings or thought process with respect to transferring to the room
the July 21, 2008, suicide, approximately 44 hours earlier.
60. A review of the progress notes dated July 22, 2008, at 10:30 p.m., revealed that
the Patient came out of the new room and asked if he or she could sleep in the haliway because
he or she was too afraid to sleep in the new room.
61. The Patient was noted as sleeping in the hallway during the night of July 22,
2008.
62. A review of the fifteen minute observation checks revealed that the Patient
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returned to the room on July 23, 2008, at 7:45 a.m., from the dining room.
63. The Patient was observed by the staff to be in the Patient's room until 9:45 a.m.
64. During an interview with the Patient's psychiatrist on August 13, 2008, at
approximately 1:45 p.m., it was revealed that the Patient was responding.
65. The psychiatrist was in the process of discharge planning and the Patient was to
be discharged to a Short Term Residential Treatment Center (SRT).
66. The interview of the psychiatrist revealed that the Patient was excited on July 23,
2008, at 8:15 p.m., during the psychiatrist's assessment and conversation about the placement to
SRT.
67. A review of the progress notes dated July 23, 2008, at 10:30 a.m., by a mental
health technician (MHT) revealed that the Patient reported being excited about the pending
discharge to a SRT.
68. A review of the fifteen minute observation safety checks dated July 23, 2008, at
4:15 p.m., revealed that the Patient was observed eating the dinner meal.
69. The 4:30 p.m. documentation showed a code was being performed on the Patient.
70. A review of the nursing notes dated July 23, 2008, at 4:20 p.m., revealed that the
nurse entered the Patient's room to return clothes that another patient had taken out of the room.
71. The nurse and a mental health technician entered the room and saw a pair of
pajama pants torn and a knot tied in one piece.
72. The documentation noted they looked at the bathroom door and saw a very large
knot between the top of the bathroom door and the ceiling.
73. The nurse then pushed the bathroom door slightly and discovered Patient hanging
behind the door.
74. Acode was called and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started.
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75. A review of the code sheet dated July 23, 2008, revealed that the time of arrival to
be 4:52 p.m.
76. It was noted that the Patient was transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on July
23, 2008, at 5:16 p.m., and subsequently expired at 11:34 p.m..
77. During an interview with the Nurse Unit Manager (7F) on August 13, 2008, at
approximately 1:00 p.m., it was revealed the mental health technician told the nurse that a fifteen
minute observation safety check of the patient was observed at 4:30 p.m. and that the Patient was
lying on the bed in a green shirt.
78. The Unit Manger revealed that the mental health technician failed to document
the time on the observation check list sheet.
79. The Unit Manager further revealed that a nurse from the floor, during the code,
entered the number 21, representing a code on the observation check list in the next blank area of
the observation check list.
80. The time was noted to be 4:30 p.m.
81. The code sheet indicated that the time of arrival of the code team was 4:52 p.m., a
delay of 32 minutes from initial discovery at 4:20 p.m.
82. During the interview, the Unit Manager revealed there was a discrepancy in the
times on the fifteen minute observation safety check list, the nursing notes, and code sheet.
83. The interview and a review of the documentation revealed that the physician order
for every fifteen minute checks was not implemented on July 4, 2008, and potentially was not
conducted on July 23, 2008, due to the discrepancies in documentation.
84. The interview and a review of the documentation revealed no evidence of an
assessment of the Patient prior to the room change where another patient had attempted suicide,
and the Patient had knowledge of the attempted suicide and felt afraid.
12
Patient #6
85. During a tour of Psychiatric Unit 7F on August 14, 2008, from approximately
6:50 a.m. to 8:40 a.m., an observation revealed that Patient #6 was asleep in a recliner adjacent to
the nursing station and that a patient care technician sitting in a chair by the recliner recording
variable timed safety checks of the Patient.
86. A review of Patient #6's medical record revealed a physician order dated August
13, 2008, at 5:10 p.m., for constant visual observation.
87. A review of the physician and nursing documentation did not reveal any evidence
of the Patient being assessed for individual needs related to sleeping in the hallway.
Patients #3, #5, #7 and #8
88. An observation of the dining room on the Psychiatric Unit 7F on August 14, 2008,
from approximately 6:50 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. revealed Patients #3, #5, #7, and #8 sitting in chairs at
a table, heads down on the table, appearing to be asleep.
89. _A patient care technician was recording variable timed safety checks of the four
patients.
90. A review of Patient #3's medical record revealed a physician order dated August
13, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., to maintain constant visual observation.
91. A review of the routine safety check form dated August 14, 2008, revealed that
checks were documented from 12:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. by the patient care technician observed
sitting in the hallway by Patient #6.
92. The documentation indicated that the Patient was brought to the dining room at
6:30 a.m.
93. A review of Patient #5's medical record revealed a physician order dated August
13, 2008, to make patient 1:1.
13
94, A review of the routine safety check form dated August 14, 2008, revealed that
checks were documented from 12:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. by the patient care technician observed
sitting in the hallway by Patient #6.
95. The documentation indicates the Patient was brought to the dining room at 7:00
am.
96. A review of Patient #7's medical record revealed a physician order dated August
13, 2008, at 3:40 p.m., to begin constant observation.
97. A review of the routine safety check form dated August 14, 2008, revealed that
checks were documented from 12:00 a.m. to 6:30 am. by the patient care technician observed
sitting in the hallway by Patient #6.
98. The documentation indicates that the Patient was brought to the dining room at
6:40 a.m.
99. A review of Patient #8's medical record revealed a physician order dated August
13, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., to place the Patient on constant visual observation.
100. A review of the routine safety check form dated August 14, 2008, revealed that
checks were documented from 12:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. by the patient care technician observed
sitting in the hallway by Patient #6.
101. The documentation indicates that the Patient was brought to the dining room at
6:30 a.m.
102. A review of the physician and nursing documentation for Patients #3, #5, #7, and
#8, did not reveal any evidence of the Patients being assessed for individual needs related to
sleeping in the hallway.
Sanctions
103. Under Florida law, the Agency may impose an administrative fine, not to exceed
14
$1,000 per violation, per day, for the violation of any provision of Chapter 395, Part I, or Chapter
408, Part Il, or the applicable rules. Each day of violation constitutes a separate violation and is
subject to a separate fine. § 395.1065(2)(a), Fla. Stat. (2008).
104. Under Florida law, as a penalty for any violation of Chapter 408, Part II, the
authorizing statutes, or the applicable rules, the Agency may impose an administrative fine.
Unless the amount or aggregate limitation of the fine is prescribed by authorizing statutes or
applicable rules, the Agency may establish criteria by rule for the amount or aggregate limitation
of administrative fines applicable to this part, authorizing statutes, and applicable rules. Each
day of violation constitutes a separate violation and is subject to a separate fine. For fines
imposed by final order of the Agency and not subject to further appeal, the violator shall pay the
fine plus interest at the rate specified in Section 55.03, Florida Statutes, for each day beyond the
date set by the Agency for payment of the fine. § 408.813, Fla. Stat. (2008).
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,
respectfully seeks an administrative fine against the Respondent in the amount of seven thousand
dollars ($7,000.00).
COUNT I (Tag 121
The Respondent Failed To Have Sufficient Number of Qualified Registered Nurses
On Duty At All Times To Provide Nursing Care And Facilitate Appropriate
Intervention By Nursing, Medical Or Other Hospital Staff Members
In Violation Of F.A.C. 59A-3.2085(5)(f)
105. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 5.
106. Under Florida law, a sufficient number of qualified registered nurses shall be on
duty at all times to give patients the nursing care that requires the judgment and specialized skills
of a registered nurse, and shall be sufficient to ensure immediate availability of a registered nurse
for bedside care of any patient when needed, to assure prompt recognition of an untoward change
in a patient’s condition, and to facilitate appropriate intervention by nursing, medical or other
15
hospital staff members. Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.2085(5)(f).
107. On or about August 14, 2008, the Agency conducted a complaint survey of the
Respondent and its Facility (CCR# 2008009559/FL00039557).
108. Based upon observation, interviews, and a review of clinical records, it was
determined that the Respondent failed to ensure that its nursing service had an adequate number
of licensed registered nurses and other personnel to provide the necessary care and services to
psychiatric patients for 7 or 9 patients (Patient #1, #4, #6, #3, #5, #7, #8). This practice does not
ensure that patient goals and the highest level of practicable well-being are maintained.
109. During a tour of Psychiatric Unit 7F on August 14, 2008, an observation from
approximately 6:50 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. revealed a 22 bed unit with a census of 18 patients.
110. The staff for the 11-7 night shift consisted of two registered nurses, two mental
health technicians and two patient care technicians.
111. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates by reference paragraphs 85 through 102
set forth above.
112. A review of the shift assignment sheet for the 11-7 shift on August 13, 2008,
indicated that a patient care technician was assigned to Patients #3, #6, #7, #8, a registered nurse
was assigned to Patient #5, and a mental health technician was assigned to relieve the patient
care technician for break.
113. During an interview with the registered nurse on August 14, 2008, at
approximately 11:20 a.m., it was revealed that Patients #3, #5, #6, #7, and #8 beds were moved
to the hallway to enable the patient care technician to observe all five patients while they slept.
114. A review of the routine safety check forms for all five patients noted that the
mental health technician assigned to relieve the patient care technician documented the safety
checks at 2:45 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., noting that the patients were in the hallway asleep.
16
115. An observation of Patients #3, #5, #7, and #8 on August 14, 2008, showed that
they waited in the dining room with their heads down on the table, appearing to sleep, until the
breakfast trays arrived at 7:35 a.m. This was a wait of over an hour for three of four patients. |
116. During an interview with the registered nurse on August 14, 2008, at 11:20 a.m.,
revealed that the five Patients requiring constant visual observation or 1:1 supervision are kept
together in the hallway for sleeping and are brought to the dining room to wait together to
efficiently utilize staff assignments.
Sanctions
117. Under Florida law, the Agency may impose an administrative fine, not to exceed
$1,000 per violation, per day, for the violation of any provision of Chapter 395, Part I, or Chapter
408, Part II, or the applicable rules. Each day of violation constitutes a separate violation and is
subject to a separate fine. § 395.1065(2)(a), Fla. Stat. (2008).
118. Under Florida law, as a penalty for any violation of Chapter 408, Part II, the
authorizing statutes, or the applicable rules, the Agency may impose an administrative fine.
Unless the amount or aggregate limitation of the fine is prescribed by authorizing statutes or
applicable rules, the Agency may establish criteria by rule for the amount or aggregate limitation
of administrative fines applicable to this part, authorizing statutes, and applicable rules. Each
day of violation constitutes a separate violation and is subject to a separate fine. For fines
imposed by final order of the Agency and not subject to further appeal, the violator shall pay the
fine plus interest at the rate specified in Section 55.03, Florida Statutes, for each day beyond the
date set by the Agency for payment of the fine. § 408.813, Fla. Stat. (2008).
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,
respectfully seeks an administrative fine against the Respondent in the amount of one thousand
dollars ($1,000.00).
COUNT III (Tag 208
The Respondent’s Governing Body Failed To Ensure The
Conduct of the Hospital As A Functioning Institution
In Violation Of F.A.C. 59A-3.272(1)
119. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 5.
120. Under Florida law, the licensee shall have a governing body responsible for the
conduct of the hospital as a functioning institution. Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-3.272(1).
121. Under Florida law, adherence to patient rights, standards of care, and examination
and placement procedures provided under Part I of Chapter 394, Florida Statutes, shall be a
condition of licensure for hospitals providing voluntary or involuntary medical or psychiatric
observation, evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. § 395.003(5)(a), Fla. Stat. (2008). Each patient
shall receive services, including, for a patient placed under Section 394.4655, Florida Statutes,
those services included in the court order, which are suited to his or her needs, and which shall
be administered skillfully, safely, and humanely with full respect for the patient's dignity and
personal integrity. Each patient shall receive such medical, vocational, social, educational, and
rehabilitative services as his or her condition requires in order to live successfully in the
community. § 394.459(4)(a), Fla. Stat. (2008).
122. Under Florida law, facilities shall develop and maintain, in a form accessible to
and readily understandable by patients and consistent with rules adopted by the department, the
following: 1. Criteria, procedures, and required staff training for any use of close or elevated
levels of supervision, of restraint, seclusion, or isolation, or of emergency treatment orders, and
for the use of bodily control and physical management techniques. 2. Procedures for
documenting, monitoring, and requiring clinical review of all uses of the procedures described in
subparagraph 1. and for documenting and requiring review of any incidents resulting in injury to
patients. 3. A system for investigating, tracking, managing, and responding to complaints by
persons receiving services or individuals acting on their behalf. § 394.459(4)(b), Fla. Stat.
(2008).
123. On or about August 14, 2008, the Agency conducted a complaint survey of the
Respondent and its Facility (CCR# 2008009559/FL00039557).
124. Based upon observation, interviews, and a review of the Facility’s policies and
procedures, Environment of Care committee meeting minutes, Facility documentation, and
clinical records, it was determined that the Facility’s governing body did not ensure that care and
services were provided in a safe environment and met the needs of its psychiatric patients.
125. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates by reference Count I and Count II.
126. During an interview with the Vice President Patient Care Services and the Unit
Manager on August 13, 2008, at approximately 1:55 p.m., and again on August 14, 2008, at
approximately 11:35 a.m., it was revealed that staff had been instructed to increase observation
of the patients after the first suicide.
127. The interviews noted there had been no change in policy implemented, no form
changes, and no formal time plan for the increased observation to take place or instructions of
how the increased observation was to take place.
128. A review of Patient #4's record did not show any evidence of increased frequent
rounds from the evening of July 21, 2008, to the time of the attempted suicide during the early
evening of July 23, 2008.
129. During an interview with the Vice President of Patient Care Services, the Unit
Manager, and the Unit Clinician on August 14, 2008, at approximately 11:35 a.m., it was noted
that a formal in-service about suicide was presented for the staff on August 7, 2008, to August
10, 2008, approximately sixteen days after the first suicide.
130. A review of the Facility documentation indicated that 17 of 137 direct care staff
19
members had attended the formal in-service after two hanging deaths on the unit within 44 hours
of each other.
131. A review of the Facility documentation dated July 30, 2008, revealed that two
patients had attempted suicide on the Psychiatric Unit (7F) and subsequently expired.
132. A review of the documentation for both Patients revealed no evidence of an
investigation or an analysis being conducted.
133. A review of the Facility documentation dated July 30, 2008, 2008, indicated that
the feasibility of video monitoring was to the assessed, an environmental assessment would be
conducted, and that the feasibility of changing the every fifteen minute observation. checks
protocol to a more variable system.
134. During an interview with the Director of Risk Management on August 13, 2008,
at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Facility would not disclose the root cause analysis/investigation
that had been performed, other pertinent investigation information surrounding the two deaths, or
the plan of action developed or being developed.
135. During an interview with the Vice President of Patient Care Services, the Director
of Risk Management and the Psychiatric Unit Manager, on August 14, 2008, at approximately
11:35 a.m., a review of information read by the Vice President of Patient Care Services from a
summary sheet, there was no evidence of the video surveillance study being completed, results of
an environmental assessment, or a new written protocol for the a more variable fifteen minutes
observation check
136. During an interview with the Vice President of Patient Care Services and the
Director of Risk Management on August 14, 2008, at approximately 11:30 a.m., it was indicated
that the Facility would not disclose the investigation that was conducted or action plan that was
implemented.
20
137. During the exit conference on August 14, 2008, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the
Director of Performance Improvement provided a computerized copy of a form of a brief
analysis of the incidents.
138. _A review of the Facility documentation that was presented during the survey and
interviews did not show evidence of the Facility conducting a comprehensive root cause analysis
such as for staffing, personnel involved, environment, physician orders observation level, etc. or
implementing a plan of action to ensure patient safety and well being after the first or second
suicides on July 21, 2008, or July 23, 2008, in the same room on the same unit.
139. There was no evidence of the Facility ensuring patient safety after the incident
and a delay of implementing safety approaches after the second incident.
Sanction
140. Under Florida law, the Agency may impose an administrative fine, not to exceed
$1,000 per violation, per day, for the violation of any provision of Chapter 395, Part I, or Chapter
408, Part II, or the applicable rules. Each day of violation constitutes a separate violation and is
subject to a separate fine. § 395.1065(2)(a), Fla. Stat. (2008).
141. Under Florida law, as a penalty for any violation of Chapter 408, Part II, the
authorizing statutes, or the applicable rules, the Agency may impose an administrative fine.
Unless the amount or aggregate limitation of the fine is prescribed by authorizing statutes or
applicable rules, the Agency may establish criteria by rule for the amount or aggregate limitation
of administrative fines applicable to this part, authorizing statutes, and applicable rules. Each
day of violation constitutes a separate violation and is subject to a separate fine. For fines
imposed by final order of the Agency and not subject to further appeal, the violator shall pay the
fine plus interest at the rate specified in Section 55.03, Florida Statutes, for each day beyond the
date set by the Agency for payment of the fine. § 408.813, Fla. Stat. (2008).
21
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,
respectfully seeks an administrative fine against the Respondent in the amount of twenty four
thousand dollars ($24,000.00).
CLAIM FOR RELIEF
. WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,
respectfully seeks a final order that:
1. Makes findings of fact and conclusions of law in favor of the Agency.
2. Imposes an administrative fine against the Respondé the total amount of
thirty two thousand dollars ($32,000.00).
3. Orders any other relief authorized by law thg
Respectfully submitted on this 16th day of Dees 3
Thomas M. Hoele: \Sénior Attorney
Florida Bar No. 709311
Office of the General Counsel
Agency for Health Care Administration
525 Mirror Lake Drive North, Suite 330
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Telephone: (727) 552-1439
Facsimile: (727) 552-1440
NOTICE
The Respondent is notified that it/he/she has the right to request an administrative hearing
pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes. If the Respondent wants to hire
an attorney, it/he/she has the right to be represented by an attorney in this matter. Specific
options for administrative action are set out in the attached Election of Rights form.
The Respondent is further notified if the Election of Rights form is not received by the
Agency for Health Care Administration within twenty-one (21) days of the receipt of this
Administrative Complaint, a final order will be entered.
The Election of Rights form shall be made to the Agency for Health Care Administration
and delivered to: Agency Clerk, Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan
Drive, Building 3, Mail Stop 3, Tallahassee, FL 32308; Telephone (850) 922-5873.
22
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the Administrative Complaint and
Election of Rights form have been served to: Carl Heaberlin, R.N., Registered Agent, Tampa
General Hospital, 2 Columbia Drive, Davis Islands, Tampa, Florida 326
Mail, Return Receipt Requested 7007 1490 0001 6979 1694 and
Copies furnished to:
Carl Heaberlin, R.N., Registered Agent
Tampa General Hospital
2 Columbia Drive, Davis Islands
Tampa, Florida 33606 -
(U.S. Certified Mail)
James Kennedy, Esquire ;
Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, P.C.
401 East Jackson Street, Suite 2500
Tampa, Florida 33602-5236
(U.S. Mail)
Florida Bar No. 7093 11
Office of the General Counsel
Agency for Health Care Administration
525 Mirror Lake Drive North, Suite 330
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Telephone: (727) 552-1439
Facsimile: (727) 552-1440
Agency for Health Care Administration
The Sebring Building, Fourth Floor
525 Mirror Lake Drive North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
(Interoffice Mail)
Thomas M. Hoeler, Senior Attorney
Office of the General Counsel
Agency for Health Care Administration
525 Mirror Lake Drive North, Suite 330
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
(Interoffice Mail)
23
B06,,by U.S. Certified
andey Kennedy, Esquire,
500, Tampa, Florida
Patricia R. Caufman, Field Office Manager
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired.
@ Print your name and address on the reverse
so that we can return the card to you.
™ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece,
or on the front if space permits.
™ Complete items 1, 2, ana 3. Also complete
1. Article Addressed to:
Carl Heaberlin, R.N., Reg. Agent
Tampa General Hospital
2 Columbia Drive, Davis Islands
Tampa, Florida 33606
PS Form 3811, February 2004
7007 L450 o001 6979 1644
Domestic Return Receipt
3. Service Type
$KCertified. Mait
O Registered Ja Return Receipt for Merchandise
O Insured Mail
O Express Mail
Ocop.
to2596-02-M1640
Docket for Case No: 09-000357