Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: SERENITY VILLAGE, INC., D/B/A SERENITY VILLAGE
Judges: J. D. PARRISH
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Clearwater, Florida
Filed: Sep. 22, 2010
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
Latest Update: Nov. 16, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION,
Petitioner,
VS. Case Nos.: 2010007815
2010007729
SERENITY VILLAGE, INC, d/b/a
SERENITY VILLAGE,
Respondent.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION (hereinafter “Petitioner” or “Agency”), by and through the undersigned
counsel, and files this Administrative Complaint against SERENITY VILLAGE, INC., d/b/a
SERENITY VILLAGE (hereinafter “Respondent”), pursuant to Section § 120.569 and Section §
120.57, Fla. Stat. (2010), and alleges:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
This is an action to impose an administrative fine in the amount of one thousand dollars
($1000.00) based upon one (1) State Class II deficiency pursuant to Section § 429.19(2)(b), Fla.
Stat. (2010); one thousand, five hundred ($1500.00) based upon three (3) uncorrected cited State
Class III deficiencies pursuant to Section § 429.19(2)(c), Fla. Stat, (2010) and the imposition of a
survey fee of five hundred dollars ($500.00) pursuant to the provisions of Section § 429.19(7),
Fla. Stat. (2010) for a total assessment of three thousand dollars ($3000.00).
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1. The Agency has jurisdiction pursuant to Section § 20.42, Section § 120.60 and Chapters
Filed September 22, 2010 4:51 PM Division of Administrative Hearings.
408, Part II, and 429, Part I, Fla. Stat. (2010).
2. Venue lies pursuant to Florida Administrative Code R. 28-106.207.
PARTIES
3. The Agency is the regulatory authority responsible for licensure of assisted living
facilities and enforcement of all applicable regulations, state statutes and rules governing assisted
living facilities pursuant to the Chapters 408, Part II, and 429, Part 1, Florida Statutes, and
Chapter 58A-5, Florida Administrative Cade.
4, Respondent operates a eight (8) bed assisted living facility (hereafter “ALF”) located at
11277 Freedom Court, Seminole, Florida 33772, and is licensed as an ALF, license number
7021.
5. Respondent was at all times material hereto a licensed facility under the licensing
authority of the Agency, and was required to comply with all applicable rules and. statutes.
COUNTI-Tag A806
6. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1) through five (5) as if fully set
forth herein.
7. Pursuant to Florida law, specifically 58A-5.019(1)(b), Florida Administrative Code,
Administrators in assisting living facilities may supervise a maximum of cither three facilities or
a combination of housing and health care facilities or agencies on a single campus. However,
administrators who supervise more than one facility shall appoint in writing a separate
“manager” for each facility who must:
e Beat least 21 years old; and
« Complete the core training requirement pursuant to Rule 58A-5.0191, F.A.C.
8, On May 24 2010, the Agency conducted an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Limited
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Nursing Services (LNS) Licensure survey and complaint investigation and found the facility out
of compliance with this rule.
9. During an interview with an assistant manager and as a result of records reviewed at
approximately 11:15 AM, it was revealed there was no documentation in writing assigning a
manager for the facility. At the time, the Administrator was supervising more than one facility,
including Serenity Village II which has since converted to a group home.
10. | The Agency determined this deficient practice was related to the personal care of the
residents that indirectly or potentially threatened the health, safety, or security of the residents
and cited Respondent for a State Class III deficiency violation.
11. The Agency provided Respondent with a mandatory correction date of June 24, 2010.
12, On July 13, 2010, the Agency conducted a follow-up to the May 24, 2010 Assisted
Living Facility (ALF) Limited Nursing Services (LNS) Licensure survey and complaint
investigation of the Respondent facility.
13. Based on records review and interviews with personnel, the facility failed to assure in
writing an assigned manager for the facility with core training. At 10 AM, the surveyor’s
findings included that:
© the facility did not have documentation of a manager assigned to the facility;
e the only staff member on duty was not able to find any documents and assist with the
plan of correction; and
« the administrator and the manager were not present or available.
14. | The Agency determined this [uncorrected] deficient practice was related to the personal
care of the residents that indirectly or potentially threatened the health, safety, or security of the
residents and cited Respondent for a State Class III deficiency violation.
15. The failure to correct the cited deficiency within the time period specified is a violation
of law and constitutes grounds for a fine. See § 408.813(2)(c).
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WHEREFORE, the Agency intends to impose an administrative fine in the amount of
five hundred dollars ($500.00), against Respondent, an ALF in the State of Florida, pursuant to
Section § 429.19(2)(c), Fla. Stat. (2010).
COUNT I - Tag N300
16. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1) through fifteen (15) as if fully
set forth herein. .
17. Assisted living facilities licensed to provide Limited Nursing Services (LNS) must
employ or contract with a nurse who shall be available to provide such services as needed by
residents. 58A-031(2)(d), F.A.C.
18. On May 24 2010, when the Agency conducted the ALF Limited Nursing Services (LNS)
Licensure survey and complaint investigation, the facility was found to be out of compliance
with this rule.
19. During the 11:15 AM interview with the assistant manager, it was revealed that the
administrator was unavailable and the assistant manager was unable to obtain the documents
requested regarding Limited Nursing Services.
20. Based on an interview with the Assistant Manager, the facility failed to provide
documentation of a contract with a nurse or agency for limited nursing services. Findings
included:
The Assistant Manager was interviewed 5/24/10 at approximately 11:00 AM.
During the interview it was revealed that the facility did not have a contracted or
employed nurse available to provide nursing services as needed by the residents.
If a health care provider were to write an order for LNS services, no nurse would
be readily available. While the facility’s contract states that such services “are
available if needed,” [at that time] there were no residents on LNS.
Page 4 of 10
21. The Agency determined this deficient practice was related to the personal care of the
residents that indirectly or potentially threatened the health, safety, or security of the residents
and cited Respondent for a State Class Il deficiency violation.
22. The Agency provided Respondent with a mandatory correction date of June 24, 2010.
23. On July 13, 2010, the Agency conducted a follow-up to the May 24, 2010 Assisted
Living Facility (ALF) Limited Nursing Services (LNS) Licensure survey and complaint
investigation of the Respondent facility.
24. At the July 13, 2010 revisit, despite the facility’s stated intentions in its plan of
correction, the facility failed to provide a signed contract for nursing services and was still
unable to provide nursing services as needed to the residents. Findings included:
That, at 9:30 AM, the only employee on duty was not able to locate the policy and
procedures or the required contract with a licensed nurse for review. A current
license was posted on a bulletin board for a Nurse Practitioner with an expiration
date of 7/31/10. The resident aide on duty stated “I do not know what limited
nursing services are or where the book is kept.” Neither the administrator nor _
assistant administrator were available.
25. The Agency determined this deficient practice was related to the personal care of the
residents that indirectly or potentially threatened the health, safety, or security of the residents
and cited Respondent for a State Class III deficiency violation.
26. The failure to correct the cited deficiency within the time period specified is a violation
of law and constitutes grounds for a fine. See § 408.813(2)(c).
WHEREFORE, the Agency intends to impose an administrative fine in the amount of
five hundred dollars ($500.00), against Respondent, an ALF in the State of Florida, pursuant to
Section § 429.19(2)(c), Fla. Stat. (2010).
Page 5 of 10
COUNT Ill — Tag N301
27. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1) through twenty-seven (27) as
if fully set forth herein.
28, Assisted living facilities shall maintain documentation of the qualifications of nurses
providing limited nursing services in the facility’s personnel file. See 58A-031(2)(d), F.A.C.
29. On May 24 2010, when the Agency conducted the ALF Limited Nursing Services (LNS)
Licensure survey and complaint investigation, the facility was found to be out of compliance
with this rule.
30. Based on records reviewed and interview with the Assistant Administrator, the facility
failed to provide documentation of the qualifications of nurse(s) providing limited nursing
services, Findings included:
During records review of personnel files on 5/24/10 at approximately 11:00 AM
with the Assistant Administrator, it was revealed that the facility did not have any
contract with a licensed nurse nor any documentation of the qualifications of a
nurse or nurses who could provide limited nursing services.
31. The Agency determined this deficient practice was related to the personal care of the
residents that indirectly or potentially threatened the health, safety, or security of the residents
and cited Respondent for a State Class III deficiency violation.
32. The Agency provided Respondent with a mandatory correction date of June 24, 2010.
33. On July 13, 2010, the Agency conducted a follow-up to the May 24, 2010 Assisted
. Living Facility (ALF) Limited Nursing Services (LNS) Licensure survey and complaint
investigation of the Respondent facility.
34. At the July 13, 2010 revisit, despite the facility’s stated intentions in its plan of
correction, the facility failed to provide documentation of qualifications of nurse(s) providing
limited nursing services. Findings included:
Page 6 of 10
That, during the revisit of 7/13/10 at approximately 9:30 AM, the facility did not
have any documentation regarding the qualifications of a nurse or nurses that
would be available to provide limited nursing services as needed. In fact, there
was no contract with such a nurse in the files.
35. The Agency determined this deficient practice was related to the personal care of the
residents that indirectly or potentially threatened the health, safety, or security of the residents
and cited Respondent for a State Class III deficiency violation.
36. The failure to correct the cited deficiency within the time period specified is a violation
of law and constitutes grounds for a fine. See § 408.813(2)(c).
WHEREFORE, the Agency intends to impose an administrative fine in the amount of
five hundred dollars ($500.00), against Respondent, an ALF in the State of Florida, pursuant to
Section § 429.19(2)(c), Fla. Stat. (2010).
COUNT IV — Tag A509
37. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1) through thirty-six (36) as if
fully set forth herein.
38. Section 429.174(2), Florida Statutes (2010), addresses background screening for
employees of assisted living facilities and states:
The person required to be screened has been continuously employed in the same
type of occupation for which the person is seeking employment without a breach
in service which exceeds 180 days, and proof of compliance with the level 1
screening requirement which is no more than 2 years old is provided. Proof of
compliance shall be provided directly from one employer or contractor to another,
and not from the person screened. Upon request, a copy of screening results shal!
be provided by the employer retaining documentation of the screening to the
" person screened.
39. Rule 58A-5.019(3). F.A.C., further defines the requirements of law as follows:
(a) All staff, who are hired on or after October 1, 1998, to provide personal services to
residents, must be screened in accordance with Section 429.174, F.S., and meet the screening
standards of Section 435.03, F.S. A packet containing background screening forms and
instructions may be obtained from the Agency Background Screening Unit, 2727 Mahan Drive,
Tallahassee, FL 32308; telephone (850)410-3400. Within ten (10) days of an individual’s
Page 7 of 10
employment, the facility shall submit the following to the Agency Background Screening Unit:
1. Acompleted Level 1 Criminal History Request, AHCA Form 3110-0002, July 2005,
which is incorporated by reference and may be obtained in the screening packet referenced in
paragraph (3)(a) of this rule; and
2, A check to cover the cost of screening.
(b) The results of employee screening conducted by the agency shall be maintained in the
-employee’s personnel file.
(c) Staff with the following documentation in their personnel records shall be considered to
have met the required screening requirement:
1, A copy of their current professional license, proof that a criminal history screening has
been conducted, and an affidavit of current compliance with Section 435.03, F.S.;
2. Proof of continuous employment in an occupation which requires Level 1 screening
without a break in employment that exceeds 180 days, and proof that a criminal history
screening has been conducted within the previous two (2) years; or
3. Proof of employment with a corporation or business entity or related entity that owns,
operates, or manages more than one facility or agency licensed under Chapter 400, F.S., that
conducted Level 1 screening as a condition of initial or continued employment.
40. On May 24, 2010, when the Agency conducted the ALF Limited Nursing Services
(LNS) Licensure survey and complaint investigation, the facility was found to be out of
compliance with this statute and rule.
41. Based on employee records reviewed, the facility failed to ensure that the employee was
in compliance with Level 1 background screening. Findings include:
During employee records reviewed for one (#1) of one employee of the ALF on
7/13/10 at approximately 11:00 AM, it was revealed the facility did not obtain
background screening with clearance from FDLE for the only employee present
to perform several duties twenty four hours a day. The only employee present
works as a resident aide and provides personal services including assistance with
medications. According to the agency that oversees licensing for health care
professionals, this employee has a recent history of unprofessional conduct
including acts of negligence either by omission or commission.
42. The Agency determined that this deficient practice was related to the operation and
maintenance of the Facility or to the personal care of Facility residents, and directly threatened
the physical or emotional health, safety, or security of the Facility residents.
43. The Agency cited the Respondent for a Class II violation in accordance with Section
429.19(2)(b), Florida Statutes (2010).
Page 8 of 10
WHEREFORE, the Agency intends to impose an administrative fine in the amount of one
thousand dollars ($1,000.00), against Respondent, an ALF in the State of Florida, pursuant to
Section 429.19(2)(b), Florida Statutes (2010).
COUNT V
44. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates the entirety of this complaint as if fully set forth
herein.
45. Pursuant to Section § 429,19(7), Fla. Stat, (2010), “[i]n addition to any administrative
fines imposed, the agency may assess a survey fee, equal to the lesser of one half of the facility's
biennial license and bed fee or $500, to cover the cost of conducting initial complaint
investigations that result in the finding of a violation that was the subject of the complaint or
monitoring visits conducted under s, 429,28(3)(c) to verify the correction of the violations.”
46. On July 13, 2010, the Agency conducted a complaint inspection CCR#201 0004624 of
Respondent’s facility that resulted in violations that are the subject of the complaint to the
Agency.
47. Pursuant to Section § 429,19(7), Fla. Stat. (2010), such a finding subjects the Respondent
to a survey fee equal to the lesser of one half of the Respondent’s biennial license and bed fee or
five hundred dollars ($500.00).
48. Respondent is therefore subject to a complaint survey fee of five hundred dollars
($500.00), pursuant to Section § 429.19(7), Fla. Stat. (2010).
WHEREFORE, the Agency intends to impose an additional survey fee of five hundred
dollars ($500.00) against Respondent, an ALF in the State of Florida, pursuant to Section
§429,19(7), Fla. Stat. (2010).
Respondent is notified that it has a right to request an administrative hearing pursuant to Section
Page 9 of 10
120.569, Florida Statutes, Respondent has the right to retain, and be represented by an attorney in
this matter. Specific options for administrative action are set out in the attached Election of Rights.
All requests for hearing shall be made to the Agency for Health Care Administration, and delivered
to Agency Clerk, Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, Bldg #3,MS #3,
Tallahassee, FL 32308; Telephone (850) 922-5873.
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.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been served by
USS. Certified Mail, Return Receipt No. 7008 0500 0001 9560 9503 on August 30), 2010 to
Gary T. Hartfield, Administrator/Registered Agent, Serenity Village, Inc,, 11277 Freedom Court,
Seminole, Florida 33772.
STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR
HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
525 Mirror Lake Dr. N., Suite 330H
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Phone: (727) 552-1945; Fax: (727) 552-1440
Copy furnished to:
Kathleen Varga, FOM
Page 10 of 10
SENDER: COMPLETE THIS SECTION
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so that we can retum the card to you.
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or on the front If space permits,
4. Articla Addressed to:
Gary T. Hartfiled
Serenity Village
11277 Freedom Court
Seminole, FL 33772
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ON DELIVERY
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Docket for Case No: 10-009254
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Dec. 13, 2010 |
Undeliverable envelope returned from the Post Office.
|
Nov. 30, 2010 |
Settlement Agreement filed.
|
Nov. 30, 2010 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Nov. 30, 2010 |
Final Order filed.
|
Nov. 08, 2010 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
|
Oct. 21, 2010 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for December 8, 2010; 9:00 a.m.; Clearwater, FL).
|
Oct. 01, 2010 |
Notice of Service of Agency's First Set of Interrogatories, Request for Admissions and Request for Production of Documents to Respondent filed.
|
Sep. 30, 2010 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Sep. 24, 2010 |
Initial Order.
|
Sep. 22, 2010 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
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Sep. 22, 2010 |
Request for Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Sep. 22, 2010 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|