Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: JACKSON PLAZA, INC., D/B/A JACKSON PLAZA NURSING & REHAB CENTER
Judges: JOHN G. VAN LANINGHAM
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Miami, Florida
Filed: Aug. 14, 2003
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, September 26, 2003.
Latest Update: Dec. 25, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA Ig
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION On Pry 1
bY TS
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE i IST
ADMINISTRATION, A ini aa
Petitioner, AHCA No.: 2003004532
AHCA No.: 2003003531
v. Return Receipt Requested:
7002 2410 0001 4236 8598
JACKSON PLAZA, INC., d/b/a JACKSON 7002 2410 0001 4236 8581
PLAZA NURSING & REHAB CENTER.
Respondent.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the Agency for Health Care Administration
(hereinafter referred to as “AHCA”), by and through the
undersigned counsel, and files this Administrative
Complaint against Jackson Plaza, Inc., d/b/a Jackson Plaza
Nursing & Rehab Center (hereinafter “Jackson Plaza & Rehab
Center”), pursuant to Chapter 400, Part II, and Section
120.60, Fla. Stat. (2002), and alleges:
NATURE OF THE ACTIONS
1. This is an action to impose an administrative
fine of $3,000.00 pursuant to Section 400.23(8), Fla. Stat.
(2002), fer the protection of the public health, safety and
welfare.
2. This is an action to impose a Conditional
Licensure status to Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehab Center,
pursuant to Section 400.23(7) (bo), Fla. Stat (2002).
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
3. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Sections
120.569 and 120.57, Fla. Stat. (2002), and Chapter 23-106,
FVA.C.
4. Venue lies in Miami-Dade County, pursuant to
Section 400.121(1)(e), Fla. Stat. (2002), and Rule 28-
106.207, Florida Administrative Code.
PARTIES
5. AHCA is the regulatory authority respons:ble for
licensure and enforcement of all applicable statutes and
rules governing nursing homes, pursuant to Chapter 400,
Part II, Fla. Stat., (2002), and Chapter 59A-4 Florida
Administrative Code.
6. Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehab Center is a 129-bed
skilled nursing facility located at 1861 N.W. gt" Avenue,
Miami, Florida 33136. Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehab Center
is licensed as a skilled nursing facility; license number
SNF12550°6; certificate number 10315, effective 05/21/2003
through 12/31/2003. Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehab Center
was at all times material hereto a licensed facility under
the licensing authority of AHCA and was required tc comply
with all applicable rules and statutes.
7. Because Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehab Center
participates in Title XVIII or XIX, it must follow the
certification rules and regulations found in Title 42
C.F.R. 483, as incorporated by Rule 59A-4.1288, F.A.C.
COUNT i
JACKSON PLAZA NURSING & REHAB CENTER FAILED TO REDUCE THOSE
PRACTICES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS
TITLE 42, SECTION 483.35(h) (2) CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS,
INCORPORATED by RULE 59A-4.1288,F.A.C.
(DIETARY SERVICES)
CLASS III DEFICIENCY
8. CA re-alleges and incorporates paragraohs (1)
through (7) as if fully set forth herein.
9. During the Licensure Re-certification survey
conducted 4/15-17/03 and based on observation, and record
review the facility failed to reduce those practices to
prevent the spread of food borne illness, which may result
in food contamination and compromised food safety for
nursing home residents.
10. The following was observed during the initial
tour of the kitchen at 9:15 am on 4/15/03:
{a) The ice scoop holder was observed to have
bio-growth on the bottom of the unit. The bio-growth may
contaminate the ice scoop and the ice that comes into
contact with the scoop increasing the risk of food-borne
illness in residents.
(ob) Staff member #1 was observed washing
equipment in the 3-compartment sink. Staff member #2 who
was placing soiled dishware in the dishwasher called to the
first staff member to assist him with the clean side.
Without washing his hands staff member #1 individually
handled the resident's plates and stacked them onto a cart,
potentially cross-contaminating the clean dishware. ‘This
was observed in the presence of the food service director.
(c) Staff member #1 was observed washing
equipment in the 3-compartment sink. The staff member
washed the items, immersed them in water and then immersed
them in the sanitizer for approximately one second.
However, the staff did not follow manufacturer's directions
since based on the directions the equipment should be
immersed from 1 to 2 minutes for adequate sanitation.
il. The following was observed during the
comprehensive tour of the kitchen on 4/16/03 starting at
11:00 am:
(a) The cook was observed throwing away
eggshells with his hands into the garbage while holding the
whole eggs on cardboard in his other hand. The cook then
pulled a piece of aluminum foil and held it (still holding
the whole eggs), then stirred the eggs with a spatula (the
ones that he had previously cracked), then pulled a pair of
gloves to put on. The food service director stopped him and
while he was talking the cook put down the whole eggs and
proceeded to wash his hands. The cook turned off the faucet
prior to pulling the paper towels down, recontaminating his
hands. The cook risked contaminating all foods being
handled as he prepared for the resident lunch line by
handling the cracked eggshells. Based on the FDA (food and
drug administration) "fresh eggs may contain Salmonella
Enteritidis, which may cause intestinal infections. Most
people recover from these infections from 4-7 days, but
they can lead to severe and even fatal illness, especially
for those more vulnerable to food borne disease, young
children, the elderly and persons with immune systems
weakened by to health problems."
(b) An aqua colored cutting board was observed
leaning on top of the water faucet by the steam table.
Observation of the cutting board disclosed discoloration
indicative of bio-growth. The food service director
discarded the board when it was brought to his attention.
Use of this cutting could contaminate the food items that
are cut cn the board, with potential development of food-
borne illness in residents.
(c) Temperatures were taken using a calibrated
thermometer of the cold potentially hazardous food items on
the first resident cart prior to leaving the kitchen. The
temperature of the first carton of 8-ounce milk (first
tray) had a reading of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (F); tae next
five containers of whole milk had a reading of 50 degrees
F. One thickened milk had a reading of 46 degrees 7. Cold
food (potentially hazardous) should leave the kitchen at 41
degrees F or below. Correction date: 5/17/03
12. During the follow up visit conducted on 5/21/03
and based on observation, interview and record review the
facility failed to maintain the ice scoop in sanitary
condition and ensure proper air-drying of food service
eguipment to retard bacterial growth. Findings include:
During an initial tour of the kitchen on 5/21/03 at
approximately 10:00am the following observations were made:
(a) The clear plastic ice SCOOp was removed from
its container and found to have black residue on the inside
surface. This was shown to a staff member who acknowledged
that it was soiled and returned it to the three-compartment
sink area to be washed and sanitized.
(b) Two plastic bins used for food preparation
were seen to be stacked together upside down on the storage
rack. The bins were found to be wet when pulled apart and
not allowed to properly air dry.
13. During the second observation of the kitchen on
5/21/03 at approximately 11:45am the following observations
were made:
(a) At least 25 dish covers or domes were taken
from the clean side of the dish washing machine and stacked
on a cart abutting the tray line while still wet énd not
properly air dried.
(b) At least 25 to 30 plates were taken from the
clean side of the dish washing machine and stacked in the
plate lowerator without being air-dried. There were visible
droplets of water on the surface of the plates. When this
was called to a staff member’s attention the staff member
said it was okay because the heat would dry them. Hcwever,
the plates were seen to extend at least five to six inches
above the inside of the lowerator and were not exposed to
any heat.
(c) Review of the mechanical dish machine policy
reveals that instructs staff to, “Allow all dish washed
items to be air dried before placed in service".
14. Not allowing for adequate air-drying of food
service equipment promotes the growth of bacteria and may
lead to food borne illness.
15. Based on the foregoing, Jackson Plaza Nursing &
Rehab Center violated Title 42, Section 483.35(h) (2), Code
of Federa. Regulations as incorporated by Rule 59A-4.1288,
Florida Administrative Code, herein classified an
uncorrected Class III deficiency pursuant to Section
490.23(8) (c), Fla. Stat., which carries, in this case, an
assessed fine of $3,000.00 This violation also gives rise
to a conditional licensure status pursuant to Section
400.23(7) (9).
DISPLAY OF LICENSE
Pursuant to Section 400.23(7)(e), Florida Statutes,
Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehab Center 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.
The Conditional License is attached hereto as Exhibit
MAY
CLAIM FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida Agency for
Health Care Administration requests the following relief:
A. Make factual and legal findings in favor of
the Agency on Count I.
B. Assess an administrative fine of $2,000.00
against Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehab Center on Count I.
Cc. Assess and assign a conditional license
status to Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehab Center in
accordance with Section 400.23(7) (b), Florida Statutes.
D. 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 for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive,
Building 3, Mail Stop #3, Tallahassee, Florida 32308,
attention Lealand McCharen, Agency Clerk. Telephone (850)
922-5873.
RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT THE FAILURE TO RECEIVE
A REQUEST FOR 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.
——
Nelson E. Rodney /
Assistant General Counse
Agency for Health Care
Administration
8355 N. W. 53 Street
Miami, Florida 33166
Copies furnished to:
Diane Lopez Castillo
Field Office Manager
Agency for Health Care Administration
8355 N.W. 53° Street
Miami, Florida 33166
Jean Lombardi
Finance and Accounting
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #14
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
Skilled Nursing Facility Unit Program
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
EXHIBIT “A”
Conditional License
License No. SNF1255096 Certificate No.
Effective date: 05/21/2003
Expiration date: 12/31/2003
il
10315
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing has been furnished U.S. Certified Mail, Return
Receipt Requested to Michele Merilus, Administrator,
Jackson Plaza Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 1861 N.w. 8t
Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136, and to William Zubkeff,
Registered Agent, 320 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida
33139 on Ni 4 at , 2003.
Nelson E. Rodney >
Docket for Case No: 03-002958
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Oct. 17, 2003 |
Final Order filed.
|
Sep. 26, 2003 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Sep. 25, 2003 |
Motion to Remand (filed by Respondent via facsimile).
|
Aug. 27, 2003 |
Response to Initial Order (filed by Respondent via facsimile).
|
Aug. 27, 2003 |
Notice of Service of Petitioner`s First Set of Request for Admissions, Interrogatories, and for Production of Documents (filed via facsimile).
|
Aug. 26, 2003 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Aug. 26, 2003 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for September 30, 2003; 9:00 a.m.; Miami, FL).
|
Aug. 15, 2003 |
Initial Order.
|
Aug. 14, 2003 |
Election of Rights for Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Aug. 14, 2003 |
Explaination of Rights under Section 120.569, Florida Statutes filed.
|
Aug. 14, 2003 |
Skilled Nursing Facility Conditional License filed.
|
Aug. 14, 2003 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Aug. 14, 2003 |
Answer to Administrative Complaint and Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Aug. 14, 2003 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
|