Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES AT CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC., LAUREL POINTE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION
Judges: CLAUDE B. ARRINGTON
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Fort Pierce, Florida
Filed: May 26, 2004
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, June 4, 2004.
Latest Update: Jan. 10, 2025
2 SEAR se Se AEE REE © EST
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION,
AHCA No: 2004002169
Petitioner, Return Receipt Requested On
7002 2410 0001 4237 0768
vs. 7002 2410 0001 4237 0775
7002 2410 0001 4237 0782
INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES AT
CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC., LAUREL
POINTE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION,
Respondent
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the Agency for Health Care Administration
(hereinafter “AHCA” or the “Agency”), by and through
undersigned counsel, and files this Administrative Complaint
against Integrated Health Services at Central Florida, Inc.,
a/b/a Laurel Pointe Health and Rehabilitation, (hereinafter
“Laurel Pointe Health and Rehabilitation”), pursuant to 28-
106.111, Florida Administrative Code (2003) (hereinafter
“FLALC.”), and Chapter 120, Florida Statutes
(2003) (hereinafter ‘Fla. Stat.”), and alleges:
NATURE OF ACTION
1. This is an action to impose an administrative fine
against Laurel Pointe Health and Rehabilitation totaling
a ene RC RENE RAE RE A Maremma =
tnousand dollars ($10,000.00), pursuant to Sections 400.102,
400.19, and 400.23, Fla. Stat.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
2. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Sections
120.569 and 120.57, Fla. Stat., and Chapter 28-106, F.A.C.
3. venue lies in St. Lucie County, pursuant to 120.57,
Fla. Stat., and Chapter 28-106.207, F.A.C.
PARTIES
4. AHCA is the enforcing authority with regard to
nursing home licensure, pursuant to Chapter 400, Part II, Fla.
Stat. and Rule 59A-4 F.A.C.
5. Laurel Pointe Health and Rehabilitation is a nursing
home located at 703 S. 29% street, Fort Pierce, Florida 34947,
and is licensed under Chapter 400, Part Il, Fla. Stat., and
Chapters 59A-4, F.A.C.; license number 11600961 with an
expiration date of November 30, 2004.
COUNT I
LAUREL POINTE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION FAILED TO ALLOW THE
HEALTH CARE PROXY TO MAKE A DETERMINATION FOR APPROVAL OF A
MEDICAL TREATMENT REQUIRING CONSENT FOR TWO RESIDENTS AND TO
PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF ONE RESIDENT.
42 C.F.R. 483.10(A) (3)&(4), Code of Federal Regulations as
incorporated by Rule 59A-4.1288, F.A.C.
(EXERCISE OF RIGHTS)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
6. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
rare A SA SST 9 rn
7. During the xre-certification survey conducted on
01/05-08/2004 and based on record review and interview, it was
determined that the facility did not allow the health care
proxy to make a determination for approval of a medical
treatment requiring consent for two (2) of twenty (20)
residents in the survey sample (Residents #13 and #20).
8. Review of the record of Resident # 13 on January 06,
2004, at 2:00 P.M., revealed an influenza immunization
informed consent form. The form was signed by the resident on
October 24, 2003, and witnessed by a staff member. Signing the
form gave permission to the facility to administer an
influenza vaccination annually. The form documents that the
person signing consent was instructed that as a result of the
vaccination, they might experience some side effects. Further
review of the resident's record revealed the resident's
physician had signed a determination of incapacity on June 10,
2003, which documents the physician's determination that the
resident lacks the capacity to give informed consent to make
medical decisions. A designation of health care proxy was
signed on July 29, 2003, by the resident's family member, and
witnessed by staff. The acceptance of health care proxy
designation docunents that the proxy accepts the
responsibility to act as medical decision maker for the
incapacitated resident. There was no documentation in the
record that the proxy was informed of the decision to
administer the vaccine. In addition, staff had a resident
determined to be incapacitated to sign consent to administer a
vaccine, which carries a risk of side effects. The unit
manager and MDS (Minimum Data Set) coordinator were asked
about the validity of having an incompetent resident sign a
congent form. It was unable to be explained why this was done.
9. On 01/05/2004, Resident #20's father was interviewed
and stated that the resident was on Zoloft (antidepressant)
and Seroquel (antiosychotic). The resident's father stated
that he was not informed of the initiation of the Seroquel on
12/06/2003 and did not agree with the use of either of the
medications. However, he was not able to exercise the
resident's right to refuse the use of the medications since he
was unaware of their use. He also stated that the only reason
he knew the resident was on these psychotropic medications was
because he received a billing questionnaire from the Agency
for Health Care Administration. The resident's father
verified that he was the resident's decision-maker as the
resident was unable to understand the medications and his
intention was to have the resident taken off of these
medications as soon as possible. The resident's clinical
record was reviewed and the resident's father had been
assigned "Durable Power of Attorney" for health care purposes.
On 01/08/2004, a physician's order to discontinue the use of
Seroquel was completed and was found in the resident's record.
Correction date: February 08, 2004.
10. During the revisit re-certification survey conducted
on 02/23/2004 and based upon observation, record review and
interview with staff, the facility did not protect and promote
the interest of a resident in 1 (Resident #11) of 13 sampled
residents.
11. Record review revealed that Resident #11 was on
Hospice and did not have the appropriate end stage diagnosis.
The medical record diagnosis includes “Fractured femoral left,
HTN, type II diabetes, glaucoma, CVA, depression.”
12. The record revealed that this resident is Korean
speaking and the only person to speak with her in Korean is
the resident’s daughter. The record did not reflect other
family or friend visitors. The resident’s daughter is the
Health Care Proxy Designee. The record did not reflect a
communication board from Hospice nor from the facility.
13. On 01/19/2004 there was a doctor's telephone order,
which read, “Hospice consult and admit per daughter's wishes”.
Additionally, on 01/20/2004 a History/Physical stated, “Plan:
No medication changes at this time. Daughter is refusing any
medical care at this time. We will have staff get her to sign
a refusal to treat. We will then refer her to Hospice care at
that point.” The medical record revealed that the resident
was evaluated and admitted to Hospice on 01/19/2004.
Moreover, there is a tool that is entitled “Kramofsky Scale”
used by the Hospice Registered Nurse dated 01/19/2004 which
reflected that the patient was rated “30” which is “Severely
disabled; although death was not imminent.”
14, There was a care plan from Hospice of the Treasure
Coast beginning 01/19/2004 with minimal updates on 01/23/2004;
02/16/2004 and 02/18/2004. There was one Chaplain’s note
(01/10/2004) stating, “Patient was lying in bed, eating her
dinner. Patient is alert and I had no communication with her
due to language. Patient’s daughter chats with me a little.
Patient’s daughter said that there was no Korean Pastors
visiting her mother. I said I would try to contact Methodist
or Baptist Pastor to visit. I apologized that I did not get
ready information on my own----? (SDA) I promised I would
bring it next visit.”
15. Information was requested from the facility
regarding Hospice rendering care that the facility could not
render. Nothing was submitted. Additionally, the Social
Service Progress Notes for 02/10/2004 stated ‘Quarterly Note:
Daughter nor Hospice representative attended c/p meeting. SSD
spoke with the daughter because she was working and could not
visit during the day. The daughter was not too pleased with
Hospice, did not see that they are doing anything special.
Then we began discussing possible d/c to home.”------ The
record revealed that this resident who was a vegetarian had
lost 6 pounds since November 2003.
16. Observation by two surveyors at approximately 12:15
pm in the dinning room revealed that Resident #11 was trying
to get the attention of staff. She was ignored by 2 different
certified nursing assistants. She was approached by the
surveyor and gestured that she had pain in her chest. The
nurse in the dining room was called over and the resident was
taken out of the dining room.
17. Interview with staff: Registered Dietitian was asked
about the 6 pounds this resident had lost since November 2003
and if there was any additional interventions. Her reply was,
“you know, she is terminal.”
18. It is noted in the medical record that this resident
was terminal and the reason for the daughter wanting to
withhold medical care. There was no evidence in the record
that the facility was protecting the resident such as seeing
that she receives appropriate treatment and nutrition and to
understand motives for discontinuing care.
19. Based on the foregoing, Laurel Pointe Health and
Rehabilitation violated 42 C.F.R. 483.10(a) (3)&(4), Code of
Federal Regulations, as incorporated by 59A-4.1288 Florida
Administrative Code, herein classified as an uncorrected Class
III deficiency, pursuant to 400.23(8)(c), Fla. Stat., which
carries an assessed fine of $1,000.00.
COUNT IT
LAUREL POINTE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION FAILED TO PROVIDE
SERVICES TO MAINTAIN THE RESIDENTS’ DIGNITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS.
42 C.F.R. 483.15(a), Code of Federal Regulations, as
incorporated in 59A-4.1288, F.A.C., and Section 400.022(1)(n),
Florida Statutes
(QUALITY OF LIFE)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
20. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
21. During the Re-certification survey conducted on
01/05-08/2004 and based on observation, interview and record
review, the facility failed to provide services to maintain
the residents' dignity for 4 of 27 sampled and random
residents (Residents #7, #21, #22 and #23).
22. On 1/6/04 at 10 AM, Resident #7 was observed from
the hall through a break in the curtain being changed in bed
by an aide. The resident's perineal area was in full view
from the hall as the aide removed the resident's disposable
brief and provided incontinent care. The aide was notified at
this time that the resident was exposed to anyone who passed
the room and she then fully closed the curtain and the door to
the resident's room.
23. On 01/05/2004 at approximately 9:30 AM, Random
Resident #21 and Random Resident #22 (both female residents)
were observed in wheelchairs in the hall in front of the
nurses! station with nearly 1/4 inch hair growth on their
chins.
24. On 01/08/2004 at 7:45 AM, Random Resident #23
(female resident) was observed in the hall near the nurses'
station with numerous hairs on the resident's chin
approximately 1/2 inch long.
25. On 01/07/2004 at 9 AM, Resident #7 was observed
fully dressed in his/her room wearing the same shirt that
he/she wore the day before. The daughter was interviewed at
this time and stated that the resident had clothes but that
the clothing was continuously misplaced, sent to central
laundry or lost. The DON was notified at this time of the
resident's clothing that was taken off during the evening
shift not being put in its proper place (family does laundry) .
Correction Date: February 8, 2004
26. During the re-visit survey conducted on 02/23/2004
and based upon observation, the facility did not promote care
for residents to enhance or maintain each resident’s dignity
in observations involving three random residents (Residents
#13, 14 and 15).
27. On 02/23/2004 at approximately 12:10 pm Resident #13
was walked into the dining room by a certified nurse
assistant. This resident is confused and was in need of
assistance in adult living skills including dressing. The
resident was wearing a housedress, a wander guard ankle
bracelet, a sock on each foot and one slipper on one foot.
The resident and the certified nursing assistant were observed
to walk over to the dining room table. The certified nursing
assistant was asked why the resident had only slipper on. The
response was that the other slipper could not be found. At
that time a staff person instructed the certified nurse
assistant to take the resident back to the room and to get the
other slipper. Ten minutes later the certified nurse
assistant walked back into the dining room with the resident
and both slippers. This is a dignity as well as a safety
issue.
28. At approximately 12:20 pm in the dining room,
Resident #14 was observed sitting at a dining room table with
his name stenciled in large black letters on the back of the
shirt. Additionally, there was a hole the size of a quarter
in the back of the shirt above the stenciling.
29. At approximately 12:10 pm, Resident #15 was observed
sitting at the dining room table with his wife sitting to his
left and Resident #14 sitting directly across from him and
tables all around with resident eating their lunch with full
view of Resident #15. The speech therapist was standing over
the resident attempting to show the resident proper eating
techniques to use because of his diagnosis and his false
teeth. One of the problems was with the teeth; the speech
therapist put her fingers (without rubber gloves) into the
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resident’s mouth trying to find the problem, which was the
glue from the false teeth that was sticking the resident’s
lips to his guns. The false teeth were put into the
resident’s mouth and taken out several times. The speech
therapist was also giving the resident's wife instructions
while she put her hands in the resident's mouth at a different
time. In the meantime, the false teeth were sitting on the
table and saliva and food particles were dripping from his
mount. The wife wiped the resident’s mouth with a napkin
periodically. The speech therapist went from side to side of
the resident moving his head and adjusting his position
without washing her hands.
(a) This went for approximately 10 minutes in full
view of the other residents including Resident #14 sitting and
eating his lunch directly across the table. The teeth were
put back into resident’s mouth and again the speech therapist
was instructing the wife in feeding techniques. This was all
observed by the surveyor and a facility staff who was standing
with the surveyor. At this point, the staff person stopped
the speech therapis= and the way in which she was conducting
her therapy. The speech therapist then washed her hands at
the sink on the other side of the dining room and left. The
resident was not afforded privacy in learning feeding
techniques while becoming comfortable with his false teeth and
working out the problems. Additionally, it was quite obvious
11
that this resident was getting some type of help that was not
successful in the presence of other residents while eating
their lunch.
30. Based on the foregoing, Laurel Pointe Health and
Rehabilitation violated C.F.R. 42, Section 483.15(a), Code of
Federal Regulations, as incorporated by 59A-4.1288, F.A.C.,
herein classified as an uncorrected Class III deficiency,
pursuant to 400.23(8)(c), Fla. Stat., which carries an
assessed fine of $1,000.
COUNT III
LAUREL POINTE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION FAILED TO MAINTAIN A
CLEAN, SANITARY OR COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL RESIDENTS
Title 42 Section 483.15(h) (2), Code of Federal Regulations, as
incorporated by 59A-4.1288, and/or 59A-4.106(4) (k), F.A.C.
(ENVIRONMENT )
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
31. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
32. During the Re-certification survey conducted on
01/05-08/2004 and based on surveyor observation and interview
with residents and staff, it was determined that staff did not
maintain a clean, sanitary, or comfortable environment for
residents housed on the A and B wing.
33. During the initial tour on 01/05/2004 beginning
approximately 9:30 A.M., random observations of resident
restrooms revealed 3 of these restrooms were not maintained in
a sanitary manner. The restroom for Room #128 had a dried
yellow substance spattered on the majority of the surface of
the toilet seat and the surrounding area of the floor. A
strong urine odor was also present. The restroom for Room #121
had a brown substance smeared on the toilet seat and the floor
area of this restroom was stick? The restroom for Room #110
had a light brown substance streaked down the front of the
toilet bowl, base, and the floor area immediately in front of
the base of the toilet.
34. On 01/05/2004 at 9:30 AM, an initial tour of the
facility was conducted. At this time, the upper 100 hall of
the A wind was toured and a pungent urine odor was prevalent
throughout the hall.
35. On 01/06/2004 and 01/07/2004 at 9 AM, the upper 200
hall of the B wing also smelled of this urine odor.
36. Tour of the A wing, was conducted on January 05,
2004. Observations made by the surveyor in Room 114 revealed
a milky white film on the bathroom sink countertop. In Room
115, chipped, peeling paint was noted behind the head of the
beds, as well as brownish stains. Room 113 was observed to
have a milky white film on the bathroom sink countertop. Room
117 was observed to have peeling paint and chipped plaster on
the wall below the air conditioner unit, as well as
scuffmarks. In the room there was also a missing plate for the
electric plug. The unit manager was interviewed on January 05,
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2004, at 10:15 A.M. The findings during tour were explained.
Correction date: February 08, 2004.
37. During the re-visit conducted on 02/23/2004 and
based on observations and interviews revealed that the
facility did not provide housekeeping and maintenance services
to maintain a sanitary and orderly interior in 2 residents’
rooms and on 4 medication carts.
38. Based on observation on this date at 11:15 am it was
noted that the A-1, A-2, B-1 and B-2 Afromick Medications
carts were encrusted and covered with a heavy build up of
various unidentifiable matters. This issue was called to the
attention of the Nursing Home Administrator immediately
following observations of all four-medication carts.
Approximately at 3:30pm the Maintenance Director was observed
in the common hallway directly across from the Nursing Station
200 spraying the B-2 medication cart with an unknown substance
(contained in a spray bottle). The Maintenance director then
proceeded to wipe the medication cart with a sponge and
unknown solution contained in a bucket. The top of the
medication cart and items (spoons, soufflé cups, and 6 ounce
drinking cups) on top of the cart were exposed to the unknown
fluids the Maintenance Director was using to clean the
medication cart.
39. On 02/23/2004 at 9:45 am, in the 100-wing resident
shower room, the washbasin top and bowl surfaces were observed
14
to have an accumulation of grey and black particles and soap
residue. At that time, this was confirmed by a housekeeper.
40. On 02/23/2004 ay 9:50 am in resident’s room 220,
observation revealed a missing molding strip directly under
the window’s sill leaving an unpainted strip of wall above the
air conditioner.
41. Based on the foregoing, Laurel Pointe Health and
Rehabilitation violated Title 42 483.15(h) (2), Code of Federal
Regulations, as imcorporated by 59A-4.1288, and 59A-
4.106 (4) (k), F.A.C., herein classified as a patterned
uncorrected Class III deficiency, pursuant to 400.23(8)(c),
Fla. Stat., which carries an assessed fine of $2,000.
COUNT IV
LAUREL POINTE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION FAILED TO STORE,
PREPARE, DISTRIBUTE AND SERVE FOOD UNDER SANITARY CONDITIONS
Title 42 Section 483.35(h) (2), Code of Federal Regulations, as
incorporated by 59A-4.1288, F.A.C., and Section 400.141(9),
Florida Statutes
(DIETARY SERVICES)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
42. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as is fully set forth herein.
43. Based on observation it was determined that the
facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food
under sanitary conditions.
15
44. During the Kitchen/Food Service Observation Tour
conducted on 01/05/04 at 10 AM, the following sanitation
issues were noted:
(a) A test of the final rinse temperature of the
dish machine was performed 3 times. Each test revealed a
temperature of 160 degrees F and did not meet the required
minimum temperature of 180 degrees F to ensure proper
sanitizing of dishware. The sanitation issue existed for 2
days of the survey.
(b) A chemical test of the rag bucket was performed
to ensure the required level of sanitizing agent. The test
revealed an insufficient amount of sanitizing agent in the
bucket.
(c) Three - 2 pound containers of yogurt were
located within the walk-in refrigerator with an expired date
of 10/31/03.
(a) The door gasket of the walk-in refrigerator was
molded.
(e) Numerous 1-gallon containers of salad dressings
and condiments were located within the walk-in refrigerator
were not labeled with the date of opening.
(f) The fan cover of the refrigeration unit located
within the walk-in refrigerator was molded.
(g) The exterior paint of the Univex bench mixer was
peeling directly above the mixing bowl area.
(h) Numerous heavily dented cans of soup and juice
were located within the food supply pantry.
(i) Leftover foods (diced potatoes) dated 12/22/03
were not used within the leftover use policy time of 48 hours.
(j) Numerous soiled staff drinking cups were located
within food preparation and serving areas.
(k) Soiled brooms and dustpans were stored within
food preparation areas.
(1) A wire food tie was found within the flour
container.
45. During tour of the facility on January 06, 2004, at
10:30 A.M., the resident pantry refrigerator was found to
contain four (4) salami sandwiches that were undated and
unlabeled. The plastic wrap on one of the sandwiches was
partially off, and the bread was stale. In addition, there
were three (3) Styrofoam and Tupperware-type containers in
bags that were not dated or labeled. The unit manager of the A
wing was asked who the containers belonged to and it was
stated that it was probably staff members food. In addition,
the refrigerator was found to have sticky stains on the shelf
and dirt. Staff did not store resident's food in the
refrigerator under sanitary conditions.
46. On 1/5/04 during the initial tour at 10:08a.m., the
surveyor observed an ice chest behind the nurses’ station
(200- MSU hall), with the lid partly closed. The surveyor
walked over and opened the lid to the ice chest, and observed
an ice scoop lying inside on top of the ice. The surveyor
left and got another surveyor to observed the scoop in the ice
chest, and was again observed by another surveyor. The two
surveyors approached the Director of Nursing, regarding the
scoop inside the ice chest. This was also observed by the
Director of Nursing.
47. On the B-hall (100 hall) at 7:04 a.m. on 1/8/04, the
surveyor observed an ice chest on a cart, pushed in the room
where the copy machine is kept. The lid to the ice chest was
partly closed, and the surveyor opened the lid, and observed a
pink, plastic, water pitcher inside the ice chest. The pink
pitcher was pushed halfway down into the ice. The surveyor
left the ice chest, and went to get the supervisor. The
supervisor was brought back to the ice chest, and was shown
the pitcher on the inside. The ice-chest was removed by the
supervisor. Correction date: February 08, 2004
48. During the revisit to re-certification survey
conducted on 02/23/2004 and based upon observation and
interview with staff, the facility did not store, distribute
and serve food under sanitary conditions.
49. During the tour of the kitchen on 02/23/2004 at
approximately 9:30 a.m. it was observed that in the dry
storage/pantry that the lids for the thickening powder and the
pudding bins were dirty with various color smudges and a build
up of unidentifiable dried food products on the ridges of the
lids. The lid to the thickening powder did not fit and the
surveyor was later told by the Registered Dietitian that it
was the wrong lid. The lid that was on the thickening powder
bin had the powder scattered on the top. The thickening
powder was also on the floor around the bin. Additionally,
the bag holding the powder in the bin was not closed leaving
it open to dirt and debris falling in the bin, which was not
covered properly.
50. During the tour of the kitchen on 02/23/2004 at
approximately 9:30 a.m. it was observed that the puree food
processor lid was discolored; had deep scratches on the inside
and was greasy. The kitchen staff was asked if the processor
had been cleaned after breakfast and was told that it had.
51. During three different times in the kitchen,
approximately 9:30 a.m., approximately 11:30 a.m. and 2:30
p-m., the large gray rubbish can lid was not on the can
properly. It was lying partially off the can. Two different
kitchen staffs were observed to put rubbish in-the can; using
their bare hands lifting the lid and not replacing it
correctly on the can.
52. Based on the foregoing, Laurel Pointe Health and
Rehabilitation violated Title 42 Section 483.35(h) (2), Code of
Federal Regulations, as incorporated by 59A-4.1288, F.A.C.,
and Chapter 400.141(9), Florida Statutes herein classified as
a widespread uncorrected Class III deficiency, pursuant to
400.23(8)(c), Fla. Stat., which carries an assessed fine of
$3,000.
COUNT V
LAUREL POINTE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION FAILED TO DISPOSE OF
GARBAGE AND REFUSE PROPERLY
Title 42 Section 483.35(h) (3), Code of Federal Regulations, as
incorporated by 59A-4.1288, F.A.C., and Chapter 400.141,
Florida Statutes.
(DIETARY SERVICES)
UNCORRECTED CLASS III DEFICIENCY
53. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
54. During the Re-certification survey conducted on
01/05-08/2004 and based on the Kitchen/Food Service
Observation Tour conducted on 01/05/04, the following were
noted:
(a) The facility dumpster was not equipped with a
drain plug that would allow liquids to drain from the concrete
pad to a drain that is connected to the public sewage system.
(b) The ground area around the dumpster was littered
with garbage, trash, and medical supply waste.
{c) The lid of the dumpster was wide open and not
closed during periods on non-use as required. Correction
Date: 02/08/04.
20
55. During the revisit conducted on 02/23/2004 and based
upon observation and interview with staff, the facility failed
to dispose of garbage and refuse properly.
56. On 02/23/2004 at approximately 9:45 am the area
outside of the kitchen was observed. The picnic area that is
said to be used by staff had a large rubbish can over on its
side. The lid was not on and garbage was out of the can and
on the ground. The housekeeper floor tech saw that the
surveyor and the Registered Dietitian were observing the
garbage. He said that the can gets thrown over by kids that
come through the area. He was asked since he is aware of
this, why isn’t the can removed to another area or secured so
it can’t be thrown over. He stated that he could do
something. The director of housekeeping appeared and said
that the garbage will now be secured.
57. During this same time, it was observed that a large
garbage can filled with garbage directly outside of the
kitchen did not have a lid on it. There was very strong,
offensive garbage odor coming from the can and permeating into
the air around the can. Again, the housekeeper floor tech was
asked about the missing lid. He said guesses that he can go
get one from the trailer.
58. Based on the foregoing, Laurel Pointe Health and
Rehabilitation violated Title 42, Section 483.35(h) (3), Code
of Federal Regulations, incorporated by 59A-4.1288, FP.A.C.,
21
and Section 400.141(8), Florida Statutes, herein classified as
a widespread uncorrected Class III deficiency, pursuant to
400.23(8)(c), Fla. Stat., which carries an assessed fine of
$3,000.
PRAYER 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 all counts.
B. Assess an administrative fine totaling
$10,000.00 against Laurel Pointe Health and Rehabilitation for
the uncorrected Class III deficiencies in Counts I through V,
in accordance with Sections 400.23(8)(c) Fla. Stat.
Cc. Award the Agency for Health Care Administration
costs related to the investigation and prosecution of the
case, in accordance with Section 400.121(1), Fla. Stat., if
costs are applicable, and
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 (2003). Specific options for
administrative action are set out in the attached Election of
Rights and explained in the attached Explanation of Rights.
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All requests for hearing shall be made to the Agency for
Health Care Administration, and delivered to the Agency for
Health Care Administration, attention: Lealand McCharen,
Agency Clerk, 2727 Mahan drive, Mail Stop #3, Tallahassee,
Florida 32308, telephone (850) 922-5873.
RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT FAILURE TO RECEIVE A
REQUEST FOR A HEARING WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF RECEIPT
OF THIS COMPLAINT, PURSUANT TO THE ATTACHED ELECTION OF
RIGHTS, WILL RESULT IN AN ADMISSION OF THE FACTS ALLEGED IN
THE COMPLAINT AND THE ENTRY OF A FINAL ORDER BY THE AGENCY.
Respecaful submitted,
elson E. Rodney, Es
Assistant General Coumsel
Agency for Health Care Administration
Florida Bar No. 178081
Spokane Building, Suite 103
8350 NW 52nd Terrace
Miami, Florida 33166
(305) 499-2165
Copy to:
Long Term Care Program Office
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Jean Lombardi, Finance and Accounting
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #14
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Assisted Living Facilities Program
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #14
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
23
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing has been furnished by U.S. Certified Mail, Return
Receipt Requested to Thomas L. McDaniel, Administrator, Laurel
Pointe Health and Rehabilitation, 703 29™ Street, Fort Pierce,
Florida 34947, Integrated Health Services at Central Florida,
Inc., 910 Ridgebrook Road, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152, and to
National Corporate Research, LTD, Inc., 103 N. Meridian
Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301-0000 on Apes & ,
2004
Neisorf E. Rodney
24
Docket for Case No: 04-001881