Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: GAINESVILLE COUNCIL ON AGING, INC. D/B/A GAINESVILLE HEALTH CARE CENTER
Judges: FLORENCE SNYDER RIVAS
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Tallahassee, Florida
Filed: Mar. 24, 2005
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Thursday, April 14, 2005.
Latest Update: Dec. 23, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA on,
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR ral
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION, a
Petitioner,
AHCA NO.: 2005001152 (Fine)
AHCA NO.: 2005001742 (Conditional License)
vs.
GAINESVILLE COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
d/b/a GAINESVILLE HEALTH CARE CENTER,
Respondent.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW Petitioner, the AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION (hereinafter referred to as “AHCA” or the
“Agency”), by and through its undersigned counsel, and files
this Administrative Complaint against Respondent,
GAINESVILLE COUNCIL ON AGING, INC. d/b/a GAINESVILLE HEALTH
CARE CENTER, (hereinafter referred to as “Respondent”),
pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes,
and alleges:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is an action against Respondent to: (Count I)
impose an administrative fine in the amount of $2,500 (AHCA
NO.: 2005001152); and (Count II) assign a conditional
licensure status commencing January 27, 2005 (AHCA NO.:
2005001742), pursuant to the various citations, statutes,
and rules cited in the counts below.
Administrative Complaint
Page 1 of 12
PARTIES
2. ACHA is the regulatory agency responsible for
licensure of nursing homes and enforcement of all applicable
Florida laws and rules governing skilled nursing facilities,
pursuant to Chapter 400, Part II, Florida Statutes, and
Chapter 59A-4, Florida Administrative Code (2004).
3. Respondent is a skilled nursing facility, located
at 1311 S.W. 16™ Street, Gainesville, Florida 32608.
Respondent is licensed by AHCA as a skilled nursing
facility, having been issued license number 1568096.
4. Respondent is and was at all times material hereto
a licensed skilled nursing facility required to comply with
Chapter 400, Part II, Florida Statutes and Chapter 59A-4,
Florida Administrative Code, respectively.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
5. AHCA has jurisdiction pursuant to Chapter 400,
Part II, Florida Statutes (2004); Sections 120.569 and
120.57, Florida Statutes (2004); and Chapter 28-106,
Florida Administrative Code (2004).
6. Venue lies in Alachua County, Gainesville,
Florida, pursuant to Section 120.57, Florida Statutes
(2004); Chapter 59A-4, Florida Administrative Code (2004);
and Rule 28-106.207, Florida Administrative Code (2004).
COUNT I
THE RESPONDENT FAILED TO ENSURE THAT 13 OF 14 RESIDENTS
INTERVIEWED IN A GROUP AND ONE SEPARATE INDIVIDUAL RESIDENT
Administrative Complaint
Page 2 of 12
WERE COMFORTABLE TO EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER THEIR CARE AND
MEALS WITHOUT FEAR OF FUTURE CONFLICTS WITH STAFF RELATED TO
CARE ISSUES.
Class II Deficiency
Federal Tag Number - F165
State Tag Number - N188
42 CFR 483.10(f£) (1) - Resident’s Rights
Section 400.022(1)({d), Florida Statutes (2004) - Resident’s
Rights
Section 400.23(8) {b), Florida Statutes (2004) - Rules,
Evaluation and Deficiencies; Licensure Status
7. AHCA repeats, re-alleges, and incorporates
paragraphs one (1) through six (6) as if fully set forth
herein.
8. On or about January 27, 2005, AHCA conducted an
annual survey at the Respondent’s facility. On or about
January 27, 2005, AHCA cited the Respondent’s facility based
on the findings below, to wit:
a. Based on observation, confidential interviews
and staff interview, the facility failed to
ensure that 13 of 14 residents interviewed in a
group and one separate individual resident were
comfortable to express concerns over their care
and meals without fear of future conflicts with
staff related to care issues. Failure to allow
residents to express their concerns caused the
residents to experience psychosocial harm.
b. Findings: Confidential interview on 1/25/05 at
11:15 AM with a group of 14 alert and oriented
residents revealed 13 residents felt the staff
that cared for them were frequently uncaring,
leaving them to wait long periods of time when
needing assistance. The group failed to give
any CNA names (Certified Nursing Assistants),
stating, "Oh no, I'm not giving out any names!"
c. Further interview on 1/25/05 at 2:00 to 3:15 PM
with 6 residents from the original group
revealed the concern over staff attitude was
something they spoke of amongst themselves
frequently, during small groups and hoped the
Administrative Complaint
Page 3 of 12
State Survey Team could help them. They stated
they have expressed their concerns to the
Administrator in the past, but nothing ever
changes. Examples were given related to staff
attitude of "disrespect" that made the
residents "afraid" to ask for assistance.
Staff were said to "roll their eyes" and give
the resident a "dirty look" at the request for
a toothbrush and tooth paste to be utilized for
oral hygiene. The resident was in fear to ask,
but realized it was a reasonable request that
he/she made, and then got "attitude" from the
CNA. The resident refused to give the
Certified Nursing Assistant's name, for fear
that the CNA would make his/her life more
difficult.
. One resident required total assistance related
to incontinence care, but daily has to work up
courage to ask for assistance. The resident
stated, "It's around 3:00 PM now, and I'm going
to need help getting changed when I go back
upstairs, but I'll have to see who is working
and will have to wait to ask until they are
ready to help me, usually around 4 O'clock".
The resident stated he/she was dreading having
to ask, worried it would result in a conflict
with staff.
- Another resident stated a CNA was in his/her
room and another aide came in to inform the
first aide that a resident needed help, and the
two proceeded to argue loudly about who was
going to help the resident.
- Another resident stated the aides are always
tired, and they come tired to work. This
resident stated he/she has no control over
his/her body and will get changed at the
begining of the 3-11 shift, but then the aide
"hides". This resident stated, about 1 or 2
months ago he/she "had messed the bed so bad,
and no one would come help", so he/she phoned a
family member in tears. The resident stated
he/she could hear the aides out in the hall
talking about their weekend, and when the
family member called the nurses station, an
aide came in to assist him/her, but "treated
him/her like a piece of Sugar. ". The resident
would not give any CNA names.
Administrative Complaint
Page 4 of 12
g. Another resident expressed that his/her food is
frequently cold, and has.voiced this in the
Main Dining Room in front of staff, but stated
it was cold again this morning, referring to
the morning of 1/25/05. Observation of the
breakfast meal in the Main Dining Room on
1/26/05 at 8:30 AM revealed approximately 10
residents seated, waiting for their breakfast
with coffee, juice and hot chocolate being
consumed. At 8: 53 AM, staff began delivering
meal trays by carrying them individually out of
the kitchen, bringing them directly to the
table and setting up the residents to eat. Each
resident had a diet card that accompanied their
meal identifying them and their diet. The
resident who had expressed that his/her food is
frequently cold was served in order after the
table next to him/her. This resident stated,
"This is ice cold! Come and see this!" The
resident gave permission to touch the underside
of his/her ceramic plate, which revealed the
plate was ice cold to the touch, as if it was
from a refrigerator. Inquiry with the resident
revealed the food was also cold. Inquiry with
the 3 residents who had just been served prior
to him/her revealed their plates were warm to
the touch and their food was warm. Inquiry
with personnel in the kitchen on 1/26/05 at
approximately 8:58 AM, revealed the staff could
not give a rationale why only one plate was ice
cold, and failed to answer questions related to
the resident in question. Interview on 1/26/05
at 9:05 AM with 2 additional residents, (served
after the person with the cold plate), revealed
their food and plates were warm.
h. Individual interview on 1/25/05 at 9:30 AM,
with a resident requested that the interview be
confidential, revealed the resident had
concerns over a lot of aspects of life at the
nursing home. The resident stated "there was
no use to complain, the staff would get back at
you". When asked to clarify, the resident
stated, "there would be reprisals and it was
best to keep your mouth shut". During the
interview, a CNA came to the door and the
resident became quiet and stared at the ceiling
until the CNA left. The resident stated, "there
are a lot of things I would like to say, but
Administrative Complaint
Page 5 of 12
I'll keep my mouth shut, I don't want to start
anything. I don't want my name mentioned".
i. Interview with the Administrator and the
Director of Nurses on 1/27/05 at 11:50 AM
revealed they were aware of the residents
having fear of reprisal in the past. Further
interview revealed they thought the residents
had gotten comfortable with the current
Administration, enough to give out names of
staff not providing good care.
9. On or about January 27, 2005, AHCA cited the
deficiency as a Class II violation.
10. ACHA mandated correction of the deficiency be made
by February 27, 2005.
11. The above constitutes a violation of 42 CFR
483.10(£) (1), which states, “Grievances. A resident has the
right to--(1) Voice grievances without discrimination or
reprisal. Such grievances include those with respect to
treatment which has been furnished as well as that which has
not been furnished...”
12. The above constitutes a violation of Section
400.022(1)(d), Florida Statutes (2004), which provides that
“{t]Jhe right to present grievances on behalf of himself or
herself or others to the staff or administrator of the
facility, to governmental officials, or to any other person;
to recommend changes in policies and services to facility
personnel; and to join with other residents or individuals
within or outside the facility to work for improvements in
resident care, free from restraint, interference, coercion,
Administrative Complaint
Page 6 of 12
discrimination, or reprisal. This right includes access to
ombudsmen and advocates and the right to be a member of, to
be active in, and to associate with advocacy or special
interest groups. The right also includes the right to prompt
efforts by the facility to resolve resident grievances,
including grievances with respect to the behavior of other
residents.”
13. The above constitutes a violation of Section
400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes (2004), which provides that
“a class II deficiency is a deficiency that the agency
determines has compromised the resident's ability to
maintain or reach his or her highest practicable physical,
mental, and psychosocial well-being, as defined by an
accurate and comprehensive resident assessment, plan of
care, and provision of services. A class II deficiency is
subject to a civil penalty of $2,500 for an isolated
deficiency, $5,000 for a patterned deficiency, and $7,500
for a widespread deficiency. The fine amount shall be
doubled for each deficiency if the facility was previously
cited for one or more class I or class II deficiencies
during the last annual inspection or any inspection or
complaint investigation since the last annual inspection. A
fine shall be levied notwithstanding the correction of the
deficiency.”
Administrative Complaint
Page 7 of 12
14. The above referenced violation is grounds for the
imposition of the administrative fine, pursuant to Section
400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes (2004). This is a Class II
deficiency, subjecting the Respondent to a fine of TWO
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($2,500), pursuant to Section
400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes (2004).
WHEREFORE, AHCA demands the following relief:
15. Factual and legal findings as set forth in Count I
of this Administrative Complaint, and;
16. Uphold the imposition of the administrative fine
in the amount of TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($2,500).
COUNT II
ASSIGNMENT OF CONDITIONAL LICENSURE STATUS:
GAINESVILLE HEALTH CARE CENTER WAS NOT IN SUBSTANTIAL
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 400.022(1) (dad), FLORIDA STATUTES
(2004), AND 42 CFR 483.10(f) (1) (2004), AT THE ANNUAL SURVEY
OF JANUARY 27, 2005, RESULTING IN THE CITATION OF A “CLASS
II” DEFICIENCY AGAINST THE FACILITY
Section 400.23(7) (b), Florida Statutes (2004)
Section 400.023(8) (b), Florida Statutes (2004)
42 CFR 483.10(f£) (1) (2004)
17. AHCA repeats, re-alleges, and incorporates
paragraphs one (1) through sixteen (16) as if fully set
forth herein.
18. On or about January 27, 2005, AHCA conducted an
annual survey at the Respondent’s facility, wherein it cited
the facility for the foregoing Class II violation.
19. The foregoing Class II violation warrants the
assignment of a conditional licensure status, pursuant to
Administrative Complaint
Page 8 of 12
Section 400.23(7), Florida Statutes (2004), which provides,
“400.23.Rules; evaluation and deficiencies; licensure
status.—..(7) The agency shall, at least every 15 months,
evaluate all nursing home facilities and make a
determination as to the degree of compliance by each
licensee with the established rules adopted under this part
as a basis for assigning a licensure status to that
facility. The agency shall base its evaluation on the most
recent inspection report, taking into consideration findings
from other official reports, surveys, interviews,
investigations, and inspections. The agency shall assign a
licensure status of standard or conditional to each nursing
home..(b) A conditional licensure status means that a
facility, due to the presence of one or more class I or
class II deficiencies, or class III deficiencies not.
corrected within the time established by the agency, is not
in substantial compliance at the time of the survey with
criteria established under this part or with rules adopted
by the agency. If the facility has no class I, class II, or
class III deficiencies at the time of the follow-up survey,
a standard licensure status may be assigned.” §
400.23(7) (b), Fla. Stat.
20. AHCA, in determining the penalty imposed,
considered the gravity of the violation, the probability
that death or serious harm will result, the actions of
Administrative Complaint
Page 9 of 12
Respondent and its staff, the financial benefit to the
facility of committing or continuing the violation, and the
licensed capacity of the facility.
WHEREFORE, AHCA demands the following relief:
21. Factual and legal findings as set forth in Count
II of this Administrative Complaint;
22. Uphold the imposition of conditional licensure
status commencing January 27, 2005; and
23. Impose such other relief as this tribunal may find
appropriate.
DISPLAY OF LICENSE
24. Until a subsequent standard license is issued,
Respondent is required to post its conditional license in a
prominent place that is clear and unobstructed public view
at or near the place where residents are being admitted to
facility pursuant to Section 400.23(7)(d) and (e), Florida
Statutes, which reads as follows:
“400.23 Rules; evaluation and deficiencies;
licensure status.—..(7) The agency shall, at least
every 15 months, evaluate all nursing home
facilities and make a determination as to the degree
of compliance by each licensee with the established
rules adopted under this part as a basis for
assigning a licensure status to that facility. The
agency shall base its evaluation on the most recent
inspection report, taking into consideration
findings from other official reports, surveys,
interviews, investigations, and inspections. The
agency shall assign a licensure status of standard
or conditional to each nursing home..(d) The current
licensure status of each facility must be indicated
in bold print on the face of the license. A list of
the deficiencies of the facility shall be posted in
Administrative Complaint
Page 10 of 12
a prominent place that is in clear and unobstructed
public view at or near the place where residents are
being admitted to that facility. Licensees receiving
a conditional licensure status for a facility shall
prepare, within 10 working days after receiving
notice of deficiencies, a plan for correction of all
deficiencies and shall submit the plan to the agency
for approval. (e) Each licensee shall post its
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”
25. The following licenses are attached hereto as
follows:
Exhibit “A”: Conditional License Certificate # 12253
with an effective date of 01/27/2005 and an
expiration date of 01/31/2005.
Exhibit “B”: Conditional License Certificate # 12254
with an effective date of 02/01/2005 and an
expiration date of 01/31/2006.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
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 Election of Rights (one page) and
explained in the attached Explanation of Rights (one page).
Purther, all requests for hearing shall be made to the
Agency for Health Care Administration, and delivered to:
Attention: Richard Shoop, Agency Clerk
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Building #3, Mail Stop #3
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
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.
Administrative Complaint
Page 11 of 12
Respectfully submitted on this 8th day of March 2005,
Leon County, Tallahassee, Florida, on behalf of the Agency
for Health Care Administration by,
Tracie Wilks
Assistant General Counsel
Fla. Bar. No. 0559921
Agency for Health Care
Administration .
2727 Mahan Drive Bldg. 3, MSC #3
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(850) 922-5873 (office)
(850) 921-0158 (fax)
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the original Administrative
Complaint, Explanation of Rights form, and Election of
Rights form have been sent by U.S. Certified Mail, Return
Receipt Requested, to Attention: Mr. Jeffrey Bradley,
Administrator, Gainesville Health Care Center, 1311 S.W.
16" Street, Gainesville, Florida 32608; and a copy to: R.
Bruce McKibben, Jr., Registered Agent, 1301 Miccosukee Road,
Tallahassee, Florida 32308, on the 8th day of March 2005.
nau Wk)
Tracie Wilks
Assistant General Counsel
Administrative Complaint
Page 12 of 12
Docket for Case No: 05-001123
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Apr. 14, 2005 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Apr. 12, 2005 |
Agreed Motion to Remand filed.
|
Apr. 05, 2005 |
Order Granting Motion to Allow Testimony by Deposition in Lieu of Trial Testimony
|
Apr. 04, 2005 |
Unopposed Motion to Allow Testimony by Deposition in Lieu of Trial Testimony filed.
|
Mar. 30, 2005 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Jack Thompson filed.
|
Mar. 30, 2005 |
Notice of Taking Deposition of Marie Perry filed.
|
Mar. 30, 2005 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Mar. 30, 2005 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for June 1, 2005; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
|
Mar. 29, 2005 |
Amended Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Mar. 28, 2005 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Mar. 25, 2005 |
Initial Order.
|
Mar. 24, 2005 |
Skilled Nursing Facility License (conditional) filed.
|
Mar. 24, 2005 |
Skilled Nursing Facility License (conditional) filed.
|
Mar. 24, 2005 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Mar. 24, 2005 |
Election of Rights for Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Mar. 24, 2005 |
Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Mar. 24, 2005 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
|