Petitioner: HCA HEALTH SERVICES OF FLORIDA, INC., D/B/A ST. LUCIE MEDICAL CENTER
Respondent: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Judges: J. D. PARRISH
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Port St. Lucie, Florida
Filed: Aug. 21, 2007
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, December 7, 2007.
Latest Update: Dec. 28, 2024
PILED
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STATE OF FLORIDA cig a
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION AREidt
ibe q ui: an I fa] A!
HCA HEALTH SERVICES OF
FLORIDA, INC. d/b/a
ST. LUCIE MEDICAL CENTER,
Petitioner,
AHCA NO: 2007007699
v. DOAH NO: 07-3770
RENDITION NO.; AHCA-07-O"U'T -S-OLC
STATE OF FLORIDA,
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION,
Respondent.
ee
ORDE
Having reviewed the Notice of Intent to Deny dated July 17, 2007,
attached hereto and incorporated herein (Ex. 1), and all other matters of
record, the Agency for Health Care Administration (“Agency”) has entered
into a Settlement Agreement (Ex. 2) with the parties to these proceedings,
and being otherwise well-advised in the premises, finds and concludes as
follows:
ORDERED:
1. The attached Settlement Agreement is approved and adopted as
part of this Final Order, and the parties are directed to comply with the
terms of the Settlement Agreement.
2. The Petitioner’s request to provide emergency plastic surgery
services 14 days per month shall be deemed approved. If Petitioner’s
current circumstances change regarding the provision of plastic surgery
services, Petitioner shall immediately report to the Agency any changes
which led to the approval of the exemption.
3. The approved exemption will be valid through Petitioner’s
current licensure period.
4. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorney’s fees.
5. The above-styled case is hereby
closed
DONE and ORDERED this fesay of Weradee) 2087 in
Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.
it Cc. Late ee Zocretary
Agency for Health Care Administration
A PARTY WHO IS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THIS FINAL ORDER IS ENTITLED
TO JUDICIAL REVIEW WHICH SHALL BE INSTITUTED BY FILING ONE COPY
OF A NOTICE OF APPEAL WITH THE AGENCY CLERK OF AHCA, AND A
SECOND COPY, ALONG WITH FILING FEE AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW, WITH
THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL IN THE APPELLATE DISTRICT WHERE THE
AGENCY MAINTAINS ITS HEADQUARTERS OR WHERE A PARTY RESIDES.
REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE FLORIDA APPELLATE RULES. THE NOTICE OF APPEAL MUST BE FILED
WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RENDITION OF THE ORDER TO BE REVIEWED.
Copies furnished to:
Richard M. Ellis, Esq. Nelson E. Rodney
Attorney for Petitioner Assistant General Counsel
Rutledge, Ecenia, Purnell Agency for Health Care
& Hoffman, P.A. Administration
Post Office Box 551 8350 NW 52™ Terrace, Suite 103
Tallahassee, FL 32302 Miami, Florida 33166
(U. S. Certified Mail) {Interoffice Mail)
Jan Mills
Agency for Health Care
Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Bidg #3, MS #3
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
Hon. J. D. Parrish
Administrative Law Judge
Division of Administrative Hearings
The DeSoto Building
1230 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060
(U.S, Mail)
Elizabeth Dudek
Deputy Secretary
Agency for Health Care
Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Bldg #1, MS #9
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of this Final Order was
served on the above-named person(s) and entities by U.S. Mail, or the
method designated, on this the 7 day of Lee ber, 2007
ee”
Richard Shoop, Agency Clerk
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Building #3
Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403
(850) 922-5873
FIORIDA AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINSTRATION
CHARLIE CRIST
GOVERNOR
Laren
July 17, 2007 Certified Ar
7460 3902 9845 DL8s 9563
SENDERS RECORD.
ticle: Number:
Mr. Richard M. Ellis
Rutledge, Ecenia, Purell & Hoffman
215 South Monroe Street, Suite 420
Tallahassee, Florida 32301-1841
Re: Emergency Services Exemption for St. Lucie Medical Center (#2007007699)
Dear Mr. Ellis:
This is in response to St. Lucie Medical Center’s emergency service exemption request, received on June
12, 2007, requesting a partial exemption from providing emergency plastic surgery and neurosurgery ©
services.
Section 395.1041(3), Florida Statutes, requires every hospital to ensure the provision of services within
the service, capability of the hospital at all times, unless an exemption has been granted by the Agency.
Section V of the Application for Service Exemption corresponds to the above section of the law and
requires you to present the facts that would support your hospital has exhausted all reasonable efforts to
ensure service capability through backup arrangements.
With regard to plastic surgery services, you indicate that St. Lucie Medical Center currently has five
specialists providing plastic surgery services, One of the specialists is exempt from providing emergency
coverage due to age. Two of the specialists are on courtesy staff and are not required to take emergency
call. That leaves two specialists on the active medical staff to cover emergency services. During the
period from May 2006 to April 2007, one patient presented to the emergency department who required
plastic surgery services. None had to be transferred to other facilities to obtain services. Fifty patients
received inpatient services in plastic surgery during that same time period.
With regard to Neurosurgery services, you indicate that St. Lucie Medical Center has one neurosurgeon
on regular staff who is available to take emergency call and one on courtesy staff, although this physician
is not required to take emergency call. St. Lucie Medical Center has transfer agreements with Martin
Memorial, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, and Indian River Memorial Hospital for additional
neurosurgical coverage. Approximately five days per month remais: uncovered by the agreements.
During the period from May 2006 to April 2007, thirty-four patients presented to the emergency
department who required neurosurgery services. Twenty-six had to be transferred to other facilities to
obtain services. Two hundred twenty-seven patients received inpatient services in neurosurgery during
that same time period.
Based on the information provided, a partial emergency service exemption is granted in the areas of
plastic surgery and neurosurgery. Under the partial exemption, St, Lucie Medical Center shall provide
emergency on-cal] coverage for plastic surgery a minimum of 20 days per month. Emergency on-call
coverage for neurosurgery will be provided a minimum of 25 days per month either directly by the
hospital or through an arrangement with other hospitals in the area. Please note that should your current
2727 Mahan Drive, MS#31
Tallanassee, Florida 32308
ee
EXHIBIT Visit ANCA online at
hitp:/ahca.myfiorida.com
ft
July 17, 2007
Mr. Richard M. Ellis -
Rutledge, Ecenia, Purell & Hoffman
Page 2
circumstances change regarding the provision of plastic surgery and neurosurgery services, pursuant to
Rule 59A-3.255(4)(f), Florida Administrative Code, you shall immediately report to the Agency any
change in the conditions which led to the granting of an exemption.
This emergency service exemption is valid through your licensure period ending September 19, 2009. In
order to continue this service exemption beyond your current licensure period, an updated Application for
Service Exemption must be submitted at the time of license renewal, or 45 days prior to the expiration of
this exemption.
HICA Health Services of Florida, Inc. d/b/a St. Lucie Medical Center, has the right to seek administrative
review of this decision pursuant to section 120.569.and 120.57, Florida Statutes, (See Attached Forms).
Ih order to obtain a formal hearing before the Division of Administrative Hearings under section
120,57(1), Florida Statutes, your request for an administrative hearing must state the material facts
disputed and must conform to the requirements in Section 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code.
Your petition must be filed within 21 days of your receipt of this letter. A copy of this letter and the
attached form must be included with your petition, The petition should be sent to the Agency for Health
Care Administration, Attention: Agency Clerk, 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #3, Tallahassee, Florida
32308.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss this in greater detail, please feel free to contact me at
(850) 922-7760.
Sincerely,
Laura allen
Hospital and Outpatient Services Unit
Bureau of Health Facility Regulation
Attachment
cc: . Delray Beach Field Office
Jan Mills, AHCA Office of the General Counsel
Gary Cantrell, President/CEO, St. Lucie Medical Center
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION .
riLeo
RE: Case Name Saint Lucie Medical Center por ttCa
CASE NO: 2007007699 AGERCY CLERK
1001 JUL 27 P35)
ELECTION OF RIGHTS
ELECTION OF Rie
This Election of Rights form is attached to a proposed administrative action by the Agency for
Health Care Administration (AHCA). The title may be Notice of Intent to Deny, Notice of
Intent to Impose a Late Fine, Administrative Complaint, or some other notice of intended
action by AHCA.
An Election of Rights must be returned by mail or by fax within 21 days of the day you
receive the attached Notice of Intent to Deny, Notice of Intent to Impose a Late Fine,
Administrative Complaint or any other proposed action by AHCA.
--‘Tfan election of rights with your selected option isnot received by AHCA within twenty-one
(21) days from the date you received a notice of proposed action by AHCA, you will have given
up your right to contest the Agency’s proposed action and a final order will be issued.
PLEASE RETURN YOUR ELECTION OF RIGHTS TO:
Agency for Health Care Administration
Attention: Agency Clerk
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #3
Tallahassee, Florida 32308.
Phone: 850-922-5873 Fax: 850-921-0158
PLEASE SELECT ONLY 1 OF THESE 3 OPTIONS
OPTION ONE (1) I admit to the allegations of facts and law contained in the
Notice of Intent to Deny, Notice of Intent to Impose a Late Fine, Administrative Complaint,
or other notice of intended action by AHCA and I waive my right to object or to have a
hearing. I understand that by giving up my right to a hearing, a final order will be issued that
adopts the proposed agency action and imposes the penalty, fine or action.
OPTION TWO (2) ___ L admit to the allegations of facts contained in the Notice of
Intent to Deny, Notice of Intent to Impose a Late Fine, Administrative Complaint, or other
proposed action by AHCA, but I wish to be heard at an informal proceeding (pursuant to
Section 120.57(2), Florida Statutes) where I may submit testimony and written evidence to the
Agency to show that the proposed administrative action is too severe or that the fine should be
reduced. .
OPTION THREE (3) x 1 do dispute the allegations of fact contained in the Notice of
Intent to. Deny, Notice of Intent to Impose a Late Fine, Administrative Complaint, or other
proposed action by AHCA, and I request a formal hearing (pursuant to Section 120.57(1),
Florida Statutes (2006) before an Administrative Law Judge appointed by the Division of
Administrative Hearings.
PLEASE NOTE: Choosing OPTION THREE (3), by itself, is NOT sufficient to obtain a
formal hearing. You must file a written petition in order to obtain a formal hearing before the
Division of Administrative Hearings under Section 120.57(1), Florida Statutes. It must be
* received by the Agency ¢ -k at the address above within 21 de of receipt of this proposed
administrative action. The request for formal hearing must conform to the requirements of Rule
28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code, which requires that it contain:
1. The name and address of each agency affected and each agency’s file or
identification number, if known;
2. Your name, address, and telephone number, and the name, address, and telephone
number of your representative or lawyer, if any;
3. An explanation of how your substantial interests will be affected by the Agency’s
proposed action;
4. A statement of when and how you received notice of the Agency’s proposed
action;
5. A statement of all disputed issues of material fact. If there are none, you must
state that there are none,
6. Aconcise statement of the ultimate facts alleged, including the specific facts you
contend warrant reversal or modification of the Agency’s proposed action;
7, A statement of the specific rules or statutes you claim require reversal or
modification of the Agency’s proposed action; and - :
8. A’statement ief yor cirg, statir batacticn wistrthe
Agency to take with respect to its proposed action.
Mediation under Section 120.573, Florida Statutes, may be available in this matter if the Agency
agrees. :
Provider type: Hospital
Facility Name: Saint Lucie Medical Center
License number: 4193
Contact person (or attorney or representative): Richard M. Ellis, Atty. for Pet itioner
Name Title
Address: 215 S. Monroe st., Ste, 420, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Street and number City Zip Code
Telephone No850- 681 6788 Fax No.850-681-6515 Email
7/27/07
Date:
NOTE: If your facility is owned or operated by a business entity (corporation, LLC, etc.) please
include a written statement from one of the officers or managers that you are the authorized
representative. If you are one of the managers or officers, please state which office you hold.
Entity name: Name of office you hold:
You, your attorney or representative may reply according Subsection 120.54 Florida Statutes
(2006) and Rule 28, Florida Administrative Code or you may use this recommended form.
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18:89 From-RUTLEDGE ECENIA et a! S506R1E516 T-287 =P. 002 F352
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
HCA HEALTH SERVICES OF FLORIDA,
INC. d/b/a ST. LUCIE MEDICAL CENTER,
Petitioner,
vs. AHCA No. 2007007699
DOAH No. 07-3770
STATE OF FLORIDA,
AGENCY FOR HEALTH
CARE AMINISTRATION,
Respondent.
a
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Respondent, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care
Administration (hereinafter the *agency”), through its undersigned
representatives, and Petitioner, HCA Health Services of Florida, Inc.
d/b/a St. Lucie Medical Center (hereinafter *Petitioner”), pursuant to
Section 120.57(4), Florida Statutes, each individually, a “party,”
collectively as “parties,” hereby enter into this Settlement Agreement
(“Agreement”) and agree as follows:
WHEREAS, the Petitioner is a hospital, requesting a partial
exemption from providing emergency plastic surgery services; and
WHEREAS, the Agency has jurisdiction by virtue of being the
regulatory authority over the request made by Petitioner; and
21-1 t-2007
18:89 From-RUTLEDGE ECENIA et ai BS0GR1ESi6 T-287 = P00 F-52
WHEREAS, by letter dated July 17, 2007, the Agency indicated
its intent to require Petitioner to provide emergency plastic surgery
services 20 days per month, and preliminarily denied Petitioner’s
request to provide emergency plastic surgery services 14 days per
month; and
WHEREAS, the Petitioner requested a formal administrative
hearing by filing an election of rights form or by petition; and
WHEREAS, the parties have agreed that a fair, efficient, and
cost effective resolution of this dispute would avoid the expenditure of
substantial sums to litigate the dispute; and
WHEREAS, the parties stipulate to the adequacy of
considerations exchanged; and
WHEREAS, the parties have negotiated in good faith and agreed
that the best interest of all the parties will be served by a settlement
of this proceeding; and
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and
recitals herein, the parties intending to be legally bound, agree as
follows:
1. All recitals are true and correct and are expressly
incorporated herein.
2. Both parties agree that the “whereas” clauses incorporated
herein are binding findings of the parties.
py-11-2007
15:89 From-RUTLEOGE ECENIA at a! 9506816516 T-287 P04 F-952
3. Upon full execution of this Agreement and its adoption in 3
Final Order, Petitioner agrees to waive any and all proceedings and
appeals to which it may be entitled including, but not limited to, an
informal proceeding under Subsection 120.57(2), @ formal proceeding
under Subsection 120.57(1), appeals under Section 120.68, Florida
Statutes; and declaratory and all writs of relief in any court or quasi-
court (DOAH) of competent jurisdiction, and further agrees to waive
compliance with the form of the Final Order (findings of fact and
conclusions of law) to which it may be entitled. Provided, however,
that no agreement herein, shall be deemed a waiver by either party of
its right to judicial enforcement of this Agreement.
4. Upon full execution of this Agreement, the parties agree to
the following:
a. The Agency’s July 17, 2007 letter preliminarily
denying Petitioner’s request to provide emergency
plastic surgery services 14 days per month is
deemed superseded by this Agreement. Upon full
execution of this Agreement and its adoption in a
Final Order, the Petitioner’s request to provide
emergency plastic surgery services 14 days per
month shall be deemed approved. If Petitioner’s
current circumstances change regarding the
21-11-2007 16:00 From-RUTLEDGE ECENIA at a
_—
8506816516 7-287 P.008 F-952
provision of plastic surgery services, Petitioner shall
immediately report to the Agency any change which
led to the approval of the exemption.
b. The approved exemption will be valid through
Petitioner’s current licensure period. In order to
continue the exemption beyond the current licensure
period, Petitioner is required to submit an updated
Application for Service Exemption at the time of
license renewal, at least 60 days prior to expiration
of the facility’s license.
c. Upon the full execution of this Agreement, the
Petitioner shall file a motion in DOAH Case No. 07-
3770 to relinquish jurisdiction to the Agency for
entry of a Final Order adopting this Agreement. In
the event that the AHCA Secretary declines to accept
this Agreement, the parties agree to remand this
case to DOAH for a formal administrative hearing.
5. Venue for any action brought to interpret, challenge or
enforce the terms of this Agreement or the Final Order entered
pursuant hereto shail lie solely in the Circuit Court in Leon County,
Florida.
7. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorney’s fees.
* a-t1-2007
16:00 From-RUTLEDGE ECENIA et al 8506816516 1-287 F006 F952
6. This Agreement shall become effective on the date upon
which it is fully executed by all the parties.
7. The Petitioner for itself and for its related or resulting
organizations, its successors or transferees, attorneys, heirs, and
executors or administrators, does hereby discharge the Agency and its
agents, representatives, and attorneys of all claims, demands, actions,
causes of action, suits, damages, losses, and expenses, of any and
every nature whatsoever, arising out of or in any way related to this
matter and the Agency's actions, including, but not limited to, any
claims that were or may be asserted in any federal or state court or
administrative forum, including any claims arising out of this
Agreement, by or on behalf of the Petitioner or related or resulting
organizations.
8. | This Agreement is binding upon all parties herein and
those identified in the aforementioned paragraph of this Agreement.
9. In the event that Petitioner is or was a Medicaid provider,
this settlement does not prevent the Agency from seeking Medicaid
overpayments or from imposing any sanctions pursuant to Rule 59G-
9.070, Florida Administrative Code.
10. The undersigned have read and understand this
Agreement and have authority to bind their respective principals to it.
21-11-2007
16:00 From-RUTLEDGE ECENIA at ai
QS0GR16516 T-287 P07 P-952
11. This Agreement contains the entire understandings and
agreements of the parties.
12. This Agreement supersedes any prior oral or written
agreements between the parties. This Agreement may not be
amended except in writing. Any attempted assignment of this
Agreement shall be void.
13. All parties agree that a facsimile signature suffices for an
original signature.
14. The following representatives hereby acknowledge that
they are duly authorized to enter into this ae
iat Regge i
Elizabeth Dude Richard M. Ellis, Esq.
HQA, Deputy Secretary
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Bldg #1
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
DATED: LY ¥/O7
Florida Bar No. 96598
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #3
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
DATED: afafen
Attorney for Petitioner
Rutledge, Ecenia, Purnell
& Hoffman, P.A.
Post Office Box 551
Tallahassee, Florida 32302
DATED: 7“ f2// O72
AW.
elsor’E, Rodney
Assistant General Counsel
Agency for Health Care
Administration
8350 NW 52" Terrace, S-103
Miami, Florida 33166
pated: I//26 /2e7
Docket for Case No: 07-003770
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Dec. 10, 2007 |
Final Order filed.
|
Dec. 07, 2007 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Dec. 05, 2007 |
Agreed Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
|
Nov. 26, 2007 |
Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for December 13, 2007; 9:00 a.m.; Port St. Lucie, FL).
|
Nov. 13, 2007 |
Unopposed Motion for Continuance of Final Hearing filed.
|
Oct. 26, 2007 |
Notice of Filing Interrogatories and Admissions.
|
Sep. 04, 2007 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Sep. 04, 2007 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for December 5, 2007; 9:00 a.m.; Port St. Lucie, FL).
|
Aug. 29, 2007 |
Agreed to Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Aug. 22, 2007 |
Initial Order.
|
Aug. 21, 2007 |
Election of Rights filed.
|
Aug. 21, 2007 |
Denial of Emergency Services Exemption filed.
|
Aug. 21, 2007 |
Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Aug. 21, 2007 |
Order of Dismissal without Prejudice Pursuant to Section 120.569(2)(c), Florida Statutes to Allow for Amendment and Resubmission of Petition filed.
|
Aug. 21, 2007 |
Letter to S. Ecenia from R. Shoop regarding receipt of Petition for Hearing filed.
|
Aug. 21, 2007 |
Amended Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Aug. 21, 2007 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
|