Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: EUNICE SULLIVAN, D/B/A BRAYBROOK
Judges: WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: St. Petersburg, Florida
Filed: Apr. 08, 2004
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, June 11, 2004.
Latest Update: Dec. 26, 2024
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AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION |
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STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION,
Petitioner,
CASE NO: 2003007799
vs.
EUNICE SULLIVAN.
d/b/a BRAYBROOK
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 EUNICE SULLIVAN
d/b/a BRAYBROOK (hereinafter “Respondent”) and alleges the
following:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is an action to impose an administrative fine and
survey fee on Respondent pursuant to Sections 400.419(1) (c) and
(ad) and 400.419(9), Florida Statutes (2003).
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
2. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Section
120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (2003) and Chapter 28-106,
Florida Administrative Code (2003).
3. AHCA, Agency for Health Care Administration, has
jurisdiction over Respondent pursuant to Chapter 400, Part III,
Florida Statutes (2003).
4. Venue lies in Pasco County, Division of Administrative
Hearings, pursuant to Section 120.57, Florida Statutes (2003),
and Chapter 28, Florida Administrative Code (2003).
PARTIES
5. Agency for Health Care Administration, State of
Florida, is the enforcing authority with regard to assisted
living facility licensure law pursuant to Chapter 400, Part III,
Florida Statutes (2003) and Rules 58A-5, Florida Administrative
Code (2003).
6. Respondent is an assisted living facility located at
7211 Beaconwoods Drive, Hudson, FL 34667. Respondent is, and
was at all times material hereto, a licensed facility under
Chapter 400, Part III, Florida Statutes (2003) and Chapter 58A-
5, Florida Administrative Code (2003), having been issued
license number 10115.
COUNT I
RESPONDENT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AN UP-TO-DATE RECORD OF MAJOR
INCIDENTS OCCURRING WITHIN THE LAST 2 YEARS.
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.024(1) (d) (2003)
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.0182 (1) (e) (2003)
Fla. Admin. Code R. 58A-5.0131(20) (2003)
Section 400.441(1) (e), F.S. (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS IV DEFICIENCY
7. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
8. On or about August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
9. Based on review of available documentation and on
interview with facility staff, Respondent failed to maintain an
up-to-date record of major incidents occurring within the last
two years.
Findings:
1. A review was made of Resident #1’s file-the file contained medical records
indicating that the resident sustained a fall resulting in injuries (fractured wrist
and ribs) which occurred on June 13, 2003. However, the record did not contain
any record of the fall itself. When asked, in the facility dining room on August
11, 2003, at 11:10 a.m., if the facility had any actual documentation relating to the
fall, the facility manager replied that she thought an incident report had been
completed. However, it could not be found.
10. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
11. On or about October 3, 2003, a follow-up survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
12. Based on a review of available documentation and
interview with facility staff, Respondent failed to maintain an
up-to-date record of major incidents occurring within the last
two years.
ue
Findings:
A review was made of Resident #1's file-the file contained medical records
indicating that the resident sustained a fall resulting in injuries (fractured wrist
and ribs) which occurred on June 13, 2003. However, the record did not contain
any record of the fall itself. When asked, in her office on October 3, 2003, at
10:50 am., if the facility had any actual documentation relating to the fall, the
Administrator acknowledged that an incident report could not be found and
produced the facility "communication book.” However, the entry in the
"communication book" merely stated that the resident had been transferred to the
hospital with his/her injuries.
13. The above actions or inactions are a violation of Rule
58A-5.0131(19), Florida Administrative Code, which requires an
up-to-date record of major incidents occurring within the last 2
years must be maintained and contain:
a. A clear description of the incident;
b. The time, place, names of individuals involved;
c. Witnesses;
d. Nature of injuries;
e. Cause, if Known;
f. Action taken;
g. A description of medical or other services provided;
h. By whom such services were provided;
i. Any steps taken to prevent recurrence.
These reports must be made by individuals having first hand
knowledge of the incidents, including paid staff, volunteer
staff, emergency and temporary staff, and student interns.
14. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the imposed
uncorrected Class IV deficiency in that it does not threaten the
health, safety, or security of the facility’s residents.
Pursuant to Section 400.419(1) (ad), Florida Statutes (2003), the
Agency is authorized to impose a fine in the amount of one
hundred dollars ($100).
COUNT II
RESPONDENT FAILED TO ENSURE THAT RESIDENT CONTRACTS CONTAINED A
PROVISION GIVING AT LEAST 30 DAYS’ WRITTEN NOTICE
PRIOR TO ANY RATE INCREASE.
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.025(1) (d) (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
15. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
16. On or about August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
17. Based on a review of available documentation, one of
three resident contracts reviewed lacked the provision giving at
least thirty days written notice prior to any rate increase.
Findings:
The contract of Resident #1 was reviewed and was found to contain a clause that
"Braybrook will inform resident or responsible party of rate changes, in writing,
thirty days prior to rate change." However, the contract also contains a provision
that "In the event a resident is admitted into Hospice... the monthly rate would
increase by 20% on the day the resident is admitted. If admitted into Hospice in
the middle of the month, the remaining days would be prorated." This “hospice
clause" does not provide for giving the resident 30 days’ notice of rate increase.
18. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
19. On or about October 3, 2003, a survey was conducted at
Respondent’s facility.
20. Based on a review of available documentation, one of
three resident contracts lacked the provision giving at least
thirty days written notice prior to any rate increase.
Findings:
The contract of Resident #1 was reviewed and was found to contain a clause that
"Braybrook will inform resident or responsible party of rate changes, in writing,
thirty days prior to rate change." However, the contract also contains a provision
that "In the event a resident is admitted into Hospice... the monthly rate would
increase by 20% on the day the resident is admitted. If admitted into Hospice in
the middle of the month, the remaining days would be prorated.” This "hospice
clause” does not provide for giving the resident 30 days’ notice of rate increase.
In an interview conducted in her office on October 3, 2003, at 10:55am, the
Administrator stated that although new a contract had been drafted, the contract
currently being used had not been changed or replaced as the Administrator
wasn't "an attorney and didn't want to write the wrong thing."
21. The above actions or inactions are a violation of Rule
58A-5.025(1) (d), Florida Administrative Code (2003), which
requires that each resident contract contain a provision giving
at least 30 days written notice prior to any rate increase.
22. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the imposed
uncorrected Class III deficiency in that it indirectly or
potentially threatened the physical or emotional health, safety,
or security of the facility’s residents. Pursuant to Section
400.419(1) (ce), Florida Statutes (2003), the Agency is authorized
to impose a fine in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500).
COUNT III
RESPONDENT FAILED TO ENSURE THAT EACH RESIDENT
CONTRACT CONTAINS A REFUND POLICY.
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.025(1) (g) (2003);
Section 400.424(3), Florida Statutes (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
23. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
24. On or about August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
25. Based on a review of available documentation, none of
three resident contracts reviewed contained a refund policy,
which provided for refund of any unused portion of payment to
the resident’s beneficiary in case of death of the resident.
Findings:
The contracts of Residents #1, #2 and #3 contained a clause which reads, "In the
event of death or discharge due to medical reasons determined by the resident’s
doctor, the notice of termination is waived and there would be no refund (sic)."
26. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
27. On or about October 3, 2003, a survey was conducted at
Respondent’s facility.
28. Based on a review of available documentation, none of
the three of four resident contracts reviewed contained a refund
policy, which provided for refund of any unused portion of
payment to the resident’s beneficiary in case of death of the
resident.
Findings:
The contracts of Residents #1, #2 and #3 contained a clause which reads, "In the
event of death or discharge due to medical reasons determined by the residents
doctor, the notice of termination is waived and there would be no refund (sic)." In
an interview conducted in her office on October 3, 2003, at 10:55am, the
Administrator stated that although new a contract had been drafted, the contract
currently being used had not been changed or replaced as the Administrator
wasn't "an attorney and didn't want to write the wrong thing.”
29. The above actions or inactions are a violation of Rule
58A-5.025(1) (g), Florida Administrative Code (2003), which
requires pursuant to Section 400.424, F.S., each resident or the
resident's legal representative shall, prior to or at the time
of admission, execute a contract with the facility which
contains a refund policy which shall conform to Section
400.424(3), F.S.
30. Additionally, Section 400.424 (3), Florida Statutes
(2003), provides that the contract shall include a refund policy
to be implemented at the time of a resident's transfer,
discharge, or death. The refund policy shall provide that the
resident or responsible party is entitled toa prorated refund
based on the daily rate for any unused portion of payment beyond
the termination date after all charges, including the cost of
damages to the residential unit resulting from circumstances
other than normal use, have been paid to the licensee.
31. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the imposed
uncorrected Class III deficiency in that it indirectly or
potentially threatened the physical or emotional health, safety,
or security of the facility’s residents. Pursuant to Section
400.419(1) (c), Florida Statutes (2003), the Agency is authorized
to impose a fine in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500).
COUNT IV
RESPONDENT FAILED TO OBTAIN COMPLETED HEALTH
ASSESSMENT FOR RESIDENT.
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.0181(2) (a) (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS IV DEFICIENCY
32. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
33. On or about August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
34. Based on a review of available documentation, the file
of one of three residents did not contain a medical examination
report based on an examination conducted within 60 days prior
to, or 30 days after the residents’ admission to the facility.
Findings:
Resident #3 was admitted to the facility on October 15, 2002; however, the health
assessment in the resident's file was undated and unsigned.
35. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
36. On or about October 3, 2002, a survey was conducted at
Respondent’s facility.
37. Based on a review of available documentation, the file
of one of three residents did not contain a medical examination
report based on an examination conducted within 60 days prior
to, or 30 days after the residents’ admission to the facility.
Findings:
Resident #3 was admitted to the facility on October 15, 2002; however, the health
assessment in the resident's file was undated and unsigned. In an interview with
the Administrator in her office on October 3, 2003, at 11:15am, she stated that the
Resident's health assessment had been "sent over" to be signed, but that a signed
copy had not yet been received in the facility.
38. The above actions or inactions are a violation of Rule
58A-5.0181(2) (a), Florida Administrative Code (2003), which
requires that, within 60 days prior to the resident’s admission
to a facility, but no later than 30 days after admission, the
individual shall be examined by the physician or advanced
registered nurse practitioner who shall provide the
administrator with a medical examination report, or a copy of
the report.
39. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the imposed
uncorrected Class IV deficiency in that it does not threaten the
health, safety, or security of the facility’s residents.
Pursuant to Section 400.419(1) (ad), Florida Statutes (2003), the
Agency is authorized to impose a fine in the amount of one
hundred dollars ($100).
COUNT V
RESPONDENT FAILED TO OBTAIN REQUIRED NUMBER
OF CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS.
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.0191(1) (c) (2003);
Section 400.452(4), Florida Statutes (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
40. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
41. On or about August 3, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
42. Based on a review of available documentation and on
interview with staff, the facility Administrator has not
participated in 12 hours of continuing education, in topics
related to assisted living, in the last two years.
Findings:
A review was made of the Administrator's personnel file and was found to lack
documentation of the required number of continuing education hours. When
asked, in her office on August 11, 2003, at 12:45 p.m., the Administrator
acknowledged that she has not obtained 12 continuing education hours in assisted
living topics in the last two years.
43. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
44. On or about October 3, 2003, a follow-up survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
45. Based on a review of available documentation and on
interview with staff, the facility Administrator has not
participated in 12 hours of continuing education, in topics
related to assisted living, in the last two years.
Findings:
When asked, in her office on October 3, 2003, at 11:45am, whether she had
received the requisite 12 hours of continuing cducation in assisted living topics,
the Administrator presented certificates indicating she had received training in
depression, infection control, HIPPA and assistance with self-administration of
medications. However, the trainings constituted only seven of the required 12
hours; the Administrator acknowledged that she has not obtained 12 continuing
education hours in assisting living, stating that not enough trainings had been
available in the fifty days since the deficiency was previously cited.
46. The above actions or inactions are a violation of Rule
58A-5.0191(1) (c), Florida Administrative Code (2003), which
requires administrators and managers to participate in 12 hours
of continuing education in topics related to assisted living
every 2 years as provided under Section 400.452, Florida
Statutes (2003).
47. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the imposed
uncorrected Class III deficiency in that it indirectly or
potentially threatened the physical or emotional health, safety,
or security of the facility’s residents. Pursuant to Section
400.419(1) (c), Florida Statutes (2003), the Agency is authorized
to impose a fine in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500).
COUNT VI
RESPONDENT FAILED TO CONDUCT LEVEL 1 BACKGROUND
SCREENING ON EMPLOYEES.
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.019(3) (2002)
SECTION 400.4174(2), F.S. (2002)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
48. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
43. On or about August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
50. Based on interview with facility staff and on a review
of the employee files of four individuals who perform personal
services, Respondent failed to obtained Level 1 background
screenings for two employees.
Findings:
The files of two employees, dates of hire February, 2003 and June, 2003,
respectively, were reviewed and neither file contained documentation of a
successful completion of the Level 1 background screening. When asked about
this, in her office on August 11, 2003, at 12:50 p.m., the Administrator
acknowledged that she did not have the required information, but stated that she
had recently submitted the request on one of the two employees.
51. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
52. On or about October 3, 2003, a follow-up survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
53. Based on interview with facility staff and on a review
of the employee files of four individuals who perform personal
services, Respondent failed to obtained Level 1 background
screenings for two employees.
Findings:
The files of two employees, dates of hire February, 2003 and September, 2003,
respectively, were reviewed and neither file contained documentation of
successful completion of the Level 1 background screening. When asked about
this, in her office on October 3, 2003, at 11:25am, the Administrator
acknowledged that she did not have the required information, but stated that she
had recently submitted the request on one of the two employees; she also stated
that the other employee was employed at another facility and that a Level 1
background screening had been done for the employee there; however, the
Administrator acknowledged that she did not have a copy of the report and had
not requested one.
54. The above actions or inactions are a violation of
Rule 58A-5.019(3), Florida Administrative Code (2003), which
requires that all employees hired on or after October 1, 1998,
who perform personal services to residents, must be screened in
accordance with Section 400.4174, Florida Statutes (2003), and
meet the screening standards of Section 435.03, Florida Statutes
(2003).
55. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the imposed
uncorrected Class III deficiency in that it indirectly or
potentially threatened the physical or emotional health, safety,
or security of the facility’s residents. Pursuant to Section
400.419(1) (c), Florida Statutes (2003), the Agency is authorized
to impose a fine in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500).
COUNT VII
RESPONDENT FAILED TO ENSURE THAT AT LEAST ONE STAFF MEMBER,
WHO IS TRAINED IN FIRST AID AND CPR, IS WITHIN THE FACILITY
AT ALL TIMES WHEN RESIDENTS ARE IN THE FACILITY.
Fla. Admin. Code 58A-5.019(4) (a)4 (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
56. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
57. On or about August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
58. Based on a review of four employees’ files, the files
of two employees who, at times, are the sole employees in the
facility, did not contain documentation of their respective
training in First Aid.
Findings:
The First Aid certification of the Manager, who works during the day, but is at
times, the sole employee in the building, was found to have expired in May, 2002;
there was no First Aid certification for an overnight employee, date of hire June,
2003.
59. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
60. On or about October 3, 2003, a survey was conducted
at Respondent’s facility.
61. Based on a review of four employees files, the files
of two employees who, at times, are the sole employees in the
facility did not contain documentation of their respective
training in First Aid.
Findings:
The First Aid certification of the Manager, who works during the day, but is at
times, the sole employce in the building, was found to have expired in May, 2002.
There was also no First Aid or CPR documentation for one individual who was
the sole employee in the facility upon entry on October 3, 2003, at 10:15am.
When this was brought to the attention of the Administrator in her office on
October 10, 2003, at 11:20am, she stated that the employee worked in another
facility and that the employee was properly certified, but acknowledged that she
did not have a copy of the certification and that she had not seen the original
cards.
62. The above actions or inactions are a violation of Rule
58A-5.019(4) (a)4, Florida Administrative Code (2003), which
requires that at least one staff member who is trained in First
Aid and CPR, as provided under Rule 58A-5.0191, Florida
Administrative Code (2003), is within the facility at all times
when residents are in the facility.
63. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the imposed
uncorrected Class III deficiency in that it indirectly or
potentially threatened the physical or emotional health, safety,
or security of the facility’s residents. Pursuant to Section
400.419(1) (c), Florida Statutes (2003), the Agency is authorized
to impose a fine in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500).
COUNT VIII
RESPONDENT FAILED TO MAINTAIN A WRITTEN WORK SCHEDULE
WHICH REFLECTS THE FACILITY’S 24-HOUR STAFFING
PATTERN FOR A GIVEN TIME PERIOD.
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.019(4) (c) (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS IV DEFICIENCY
64. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
65. On or about August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
66. Based on a review of available documentation and on
interview with facility staff, Respondent failed to maintain a
written work schedule which reflects the facility’s 24-hour
staffing pattern for a given time period.
Findings:
The facility manager was asked for a copy of the current schedule on August 11,
2003, at 10:00 a.m.; she replied that one had not been completed, but that it was
"being worked on." The schedule was reviewed and was noted to be incomplete.
67. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
68. On or about October 3, 2003, a survey was conducted
at Respondent’s facility.
69. Based on a review of available documentation and on
interview with facility staff, Respondent failed to maintain a
written work schedule which reflects the facility’s 24 hour
staffing pattern for a given time period.
Findings:
The facility Administrator was asked for a copy of the current schedule, in her
office on October 3, 2003, at 11:30am; she replied that she did not have one for
review as the facility manager was "still working on it.”
70. The above actions or inactions are a violation of Rule
58A-5.019(4) (c), Florida Administrative Code (2003), which
requires a facility to maintain a written work schedule which
reflects the facility’s 24-hour staffing pattern for a given
time period.
71. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the
uncorrected Class IV deficiency in that it does not threaten the
health, safety, or security of the facility’s residents.
Pursuant to Section 400.419(1) (d), Florida Statutes (2003), the
Agency is authorized to impose a fine in the amount of one
hundred dollars ($100).
COUNT IX
RESPONDENT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AN ACCURATE
MEDICATION OBSERVATION RECORD (MOR).
Fla. Admin. Code R.58A-5.0185(5) (b) (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS IV DEFICIENCY
72, AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
73. On or before August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
74. Based on a review of available documentation and on
interview with facility staff, Respondent failed to maintain a
daily, up-to-date medication observation record (MOR) for three
of three residents.
Findings:
1. The MOR’s of Residents #1, #2 and #3 were reviewed; all three MORs lacked
notations of medications which were to be given to the resident during the
morning shifts of July 28, 2003, July 30, 2003, and July 31, 2003.
2. The MOR of Resident #2 indicated that the resident is to receive one can of
MS Complete Nutrition Drink three times a day; however, there were no entries to
indicate the resident received the medication as prescribed for dates July 17, 2003
— August 9, 2003 inclusive. When asked about this on August 11, 2003, at 10:45
a.m., the facility manager stated that the facility had decided to stop giving the
resident this supplement as his/her weight had improved; however, a review of the
resident's file did not reveal a physician's order to discontinue the medication.
75. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
76. On or about October 3, 2003, a follow-up survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
77. Based on a review of available documentation and on
interview with facility staff, Respondent failed to maintain a
daily up-to-date medication observation record (MOR) for three
of three residents.
Findings:
1. The MORs of Residents #1, #2 and #3 were reviewed; none of the three MORs
had any entries indicating that medications which were to be given to those
residents on August 29, 2003 were actually given to the residents. When asked
about this, in her office on October 3, 2003, at 11:35am, the Administrator stated
that there had been an outing on that date and that the residents "didn't miss them,
we just didn't enter it (on the MOR)."
2. Additionally, Resident #1's MOR was noted to lack entries for the following
medications on September 10, 2003 and September 11, 2003:
alprazolam .Smg 1/2 bid
Zoloft 100mg qd
Singulair 10 mg qhs
Lasix 40 mg qd
potassium chloride 20 meq qd
Lipitor 10mg qd
and for Theophylline ER 200 mg bid on 9/3, 9/4, 9/5, 9/8, 9/10, 9/10, 9/29 and
9/30.
3. Resident #2's MOR was noted to lack entries for the medication Risperdal
.Smg qpm on September 10, Scptember 11, and October, 2002.
78. The above actions or inactions are a violation of Rule
58A-5.0185(5) (b), Florida Administrative Code (2003), which
requires the facility to maintain a daily up-to-date, medication
observation record (MOR) for each resident who receives
assistance with self-administration or medication
administration.
79. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the imposed
uncorrected Class IV deficiency in that it does not threaten the
health, safety, or security of the facility’s residents.
Pursuant to Section 400.419(1) (d), Florida Statutes (2003), the
Agency is authorized to impose a fine in the amount of one
hundred dollars ($100).
COUNT X
RESPONDENT FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE RESIDENT BILL OF RIGHTS.
Section 400.428(1), Florida Statutes (2003)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
20
80. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (6) as if fully set forth herein.
81. On or about August 11, 2003, a biennial survey was
conducted at Respondent’s facility.
82. Based on a review of available documentat ion,
Respondent failed to comply with the Resident Bill of Rights by
requiring the resident to forego certain contractual rights.
Findings:
I. The contracts of Residents #1, #2 and #3 were reviewed and were found to
contain the following provision: "It is Braybrooks (sic) policy that under no
circumstances will a resident or responsible party hire an employee for any
services required for the resident of Braybrook and or responsible party for the
period of up to six months after discharge of the resident. The resident and or
responsible party agree to pay all legal fees if they voile (sic) this policy.”
A former resident may not be restricted in his/her personal contracts with
others.
2. Resident #1's contract was reviewed and was found to contain a provision
whereby if the resident's account becomes delinquent by more than 15 days,
the resident must provide a security deposit; if the security deposit is not made
on the 16th day, the facility will give the resident a 45-day notice of discharge.
However, the contract then provides that the "Resident waives all recourse to
any legal action to stay such a discharge."
The Resident may not be required to forgo his/her legal rights.
83. Respondent was provided a mandated correction date of
September 11, 2003.
84. On or about October 3, 2003, a follow-up survey was
conducted at Respondent's facility.
21
85. Based on a review of available documentation,
Respondent failed to comply with the Resident Bill of Rights by
requiring the resident to forego certain contractual rights.
Findings:
|. The contracts of Residents #1, #2 and #3 were reviewed and were found to
contain the following provision: "It is Braybrooks (sic) policy that under no
circumstances will a resident or responsible party hire an employee for any
services required for the resident of Braybrook and or responsible party for the
period of up to six months after discharge of the resident. The resident and or
responsible party agree to pay all legal fees if they voile (sic) this policy.”
A former resident may not be restricted in his/her personal contracts with
others.
2. Resident #1's contract was reviewed and was found to contain a provision
whereby if the resident's account becomes delinquent by more than 15 days,
the resident must provide a security deposit; if the security deposit is not made
on the 16th day, the facility will give the resident a 45-day notice of discharge.
However, the contract then provides that the "Resident waives all recourse to
any legal action to stay such a discharge."
The Resident may not be required to forgo his/her legal rights.
In an interview conducted in her office on October 3, 2003, at 10:55am, the
Administrator stated that although new a contract had been drafted, the contract
currently being used had not been changed or replaced as the Administrator
wasn't "an attorney and didn't want to write the wrong thing."
86. The above actions or inactions are a violation of
Section 400.428(1), Florida Statutes (2003), which requires the
facility to comply with the Resident Bill of Rights.
87. Said violation constitutes the grounds for the
imposed uncorrected Class III deficiency in that it indirectly
or potentially threatened the physical or emotional health,
safety, or security of the facility’s residents. Pursuant to
Section 400.419(1) (c), Florida Statutes (2003), the Agency is
22
authorized to impose a fine in the amount of five hundred
dollars ($500).
88. Pursuant to Section 400.419(9), Florida Statutes
(2003), AHCA is authorized to, in addition to any administrative
fines, 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 the initial complaint investigations that
result in the finding of a violation that was the subject of the
complaint, or for monitoring visits conducted under
400.428(3) (c), Florida Statutes (2003), to verify the correction
of the violations. In this case, AHCA is authorized to request a
survey fee in the amount of $500.
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for
Health Care Administration requests the Court to order relief
with a fine against the Respondent pursuant to Sections
400.419(1) (c) and (d) and 400.419(9), Florida Statutes (2003),
in the amount of three thousand nine hundred dollars ($3,900).
The 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).
23
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, Esqu?7
AHCA - Senior Attorne
Fla. Bar No. 0277400
525 Mirror Lake Drive North,
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
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 8777 to Eunice Sullivan,
Owner/Administrator, Braybrook, 7211 Beaconwoods Drive, Hudson,
FL 34667 dated on January [S 7 2004.
atrina D. Lacy, Esqus
24
Copies furnished to:
Bunice Sullivan
Owner/Administrator
Braybrook
7211 Beaconwoods Drive
Hudson, FL 34667
(Certified U.S. Mail)
Katrina D. Lacy
AHCA ~- Senior Attorney
525 Mirror Lake Drive Suite 330G
St. Petersburg, Fl 33701
25
Docket for Case No: 04-001196
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Jun. 11, 2004 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Jun. 08, 2004 |
Joint Motion to Close file (filed by Petitioner via facsimile).
|
Jun. 04, 2004 |
Notice of Substitution of Counsel and Request for Service (filed by B. Mulligan, Esquire, via facsimile).
|
May 04, 2004 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
May 04, 2004 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for June 16, 2004; 9:00 a.m.; St. Petersburg, FL).
|
Apr. 16, 2004 |
Joint Response to Initial Order (filed by Petitioner via facsimile).
|
Apr. 16, 2004 |
Petitioner`s Response to Initial Order (filed via facsimile).
|
Apr. 09, 2004 |
Initial Order.
|
Apr. 08, 2004 |
Order of Dismissal without Prujudice Pursuant to Sections 120.54 and 120.569, Florida Statues and Rules 28-106.111 and 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code to Allow for Amendment and Resubmission of Petition filed.
|
Apr. 08, 2004 |
Election of Rights for Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Apr. 08, 2004 |
Amended Request for Formal Hearing filed.
|
Apr. 08, 2004 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Apr. 08, 2004 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
|