Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: EXTENDED CARE PORTFOLIO FLORIDA TENANT, LLC, D/B/A ENCORE SENIOR VILLAGE AT NAPLES
Judges: WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Naples, Florida
Filed: Jun. 02, 2008
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, August 15, 2008.
Latest Update: Dec. 28, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
STATE OF FLORIDA, 6 X:- De dO
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
aon
Petitioner, Case No. 2008002855
vs.
EXTENDED CARE PORTFOLIO FLORIDA TENANT, LLC
d/b/a ENCORE SENIOR VILLAGE AT NAPLES,
Respondent.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration
(hereinafter “the Agency”), by and through its undersigned counsel, and files this Administrative
Complaint against the Respondent, EXTENDED CARE PORTFOLIO FLORIDA TENANT,
LLC d/b/a ENCORE SENIOR VILLAGE AT NAPLES (hereinafter “the Respondent”), pursuant
to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (2007), and alleges as follows:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
This is an action against an assisted living facility to impose an administrative fine in the
amount of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00) based upon one (1) Class II violation.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1. The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter pursuant to Sections 120.569
and 120.57, Florida Statutes (2007). .
2. The Agency has jurisdiction over the Respondent pursuant to Sections 20.42,
120.60 and Chapters 408, Part II, and 429, Part I, Florida Statutes (2007).
3. Venue lies pursuant to Rule 28-106.207, Florida Administrative Code.
PARTIES
4. The Agency is the licensing and regulatory authority that oversees assisted living
__facilities in Florida and enforces the applicable federal and state regulations, statutes and rules _
governing z such facilities. Chapters 408, Part Il, and 429, Part I, F lorida Statutes (2007); ‘Chapter
58A-5, Florida Administrative Code. The Agency may deny, revoke, or suspend any license
issued to an assisted living facility or impose an administrative fine for violations. Sections
408.813, 408.815, and 429.14, Florida Statutes (2007). In addition to any administrative fine
imposed, the Agency may assess a survey fee against an assisted living facility to verify the
correction of violations. Section 429.19(7), Florida Statutes (2007).
5. The Respondent was issued a license (License Number 9761), by the Agency to
operate a 70-bed assisted living facility located at 1155 Encore Way, Naples, Florida 34110, and
was at all material times required to comply with the applicable federal and state regulations,
statutes and rule governing such facilities.
COUNT I
The Respondent Failed To Ensure An Exterior Gate Was Structurally Sound And In Good
Repair In Violation Of Rule 58A-5.023(1)(b), Florida Administrative Code
6. The Agency re-alleges and incorporates by reference paragraphs one (1) through
five (5).
7. Pursuant to Florida law, the facility’s physical structure, including the interior and
exterior walls, floors, roof and ceilings shall be structurally sound and in good repair. Peeling
paint or wallpaper, missing ceiling or floor tiles, or torn carpeting shall be repaired or replaced.
Windows, doors, plumbing, and appliances shall be functional and in good working order. All
furniture and furnishings shall be clean, functional, free-of-odors, and in good repair. Appliances
may be disabled for safety reasons provided they are functionally available when needed. Rule
58A-5.023(1)(b), Florida Administrative Code.
8. The Respondent failed to comply with the above referenced provisions of law.
9. On or about December 18, 2007 through December T° 19, 2007 the © Agency
conducted a an 2 Appraisal Survey of the Respondent and its facility. .
10. Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure
the exterior gate was structurally sound and in good repair for two (2) of two (2) resident events
sampled, Resident number one (1) and Resident number two (2).
11. _.A review of Resident number one’s (1) Health Assessment record on December
19, 2007 revealed a seventy-three (73) year old confused resident, who at the time of an
elopement incident on June 9, 2007 weighed 158 pounds. Resident number one (1) was admitted
on September 5, 2006 and had diagnoses of Alzheimer's Disease, Hypertension, and a history of
Respiratory failure. Resident number one (1) was on Aricept, Lexapro, Lisinopril, Vytorin, and
Namenda. Lorazepam 0.5 mgm. was given every evening, Resident number one (1) required
supervision of all Activities of Daily Living except eating, for which the resident was
independent.
12. On December 19, 2007 a review of an incident report record dated June 9, 2007 at
10:30 am. documented Resident number one (1), "Pulled a wire from the gate key pad."
"Resident appeared to be angry." "Was easily directed by the nurse." The report indicates the
event occurred at the Cottage number two (2) gate.
13. During an interview with the administrator on December 19, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.
the administrator stated, "The gate key pads are all the same on each of the three unit gates for
the cottages.” "But this key was different in that the bottom plate of the key pad was not in place
and allowed the wire to be pulled out from the bottom." "The resident pulled the wire out from
the key pad on June 9, 2007, which allowed Resident number one (1) to open the gate and get
out. The staff was there right away, so it was not a case of Resident number one (1) getting
away, but we e had no idea about the bottom plate being off. " The administrator verbally relayed
they did check all the other gates and the gate for Cottage number two 5 (2) was the only one that
had the problem. There is no documentation regarding the follow-up on the key pad repair and
check of the other key pads on the other gates.
14. A review of Resident number two’s (2) Health Assessment record on December
18, 2007 identifies Resident number two (2) as a ninety-one (91) year old resident whose
diagnoses includes Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety, and severe Macular Degeneration. Resident
number two (2) had a pacemaker, and the fifteen (15) staff and administration interviewed by the
surveyor on December 18 2007 through December 19, 2007 presented Resident number two (2)
as an active resident who became agitated easily but responded to re-direction, walked outside a
lot in the Cottage number two (2) enclosure and worried about the spouse, who came to visit
often. Resident number two (2) was subject to regular crying episodes. In addition to some
cardiac medications, Resident number two’s (2) November, 2007 Medication Observation
Record indicated the resident was on Sertraline 50 mg. daily for depression; Namenda 10 mg.
twice daily; Seroquel 50 mg. twice a day; and Aricept 10 mg. once:a day at bedtime. Resident
_ number two (2) stood 69 inches and weighed 152 pounds.
15. During the month of November, 2007, Resident number two’s (2) Behavior
Monitor documentation indicates no atypical behaviors until the 14th of the month. Resident
number two (2) had kicking and hitting behaviors on that day. On the 20th and 21st of
November, 2007, Resident number two (2) was noted to be excessively sleepy. Confusion was
documented on November 23, 2007 through to November 26, 2007.
16. The resident's Nurses Notes, dated November 29, 2007 indicate Resident number
two (2) had "Extreme agitation upon awakening and immediately went to the outside gate and
started to shake it, trying | to get H it open.” It Stated Resident 1 number two (2) was yelling “help
a Resident number two (2) was documented i in 1 the notes as asking the staff t to call the police.
Redirection failed and Resident number two (2) became more agitated and fell onto the sidewalk
near the gate, causing a skin tear on the arm. The nurse writes in the November 29, 2007 Nurses
Notes of being "Unable to cleanse the skin tear because the resident was combative." Resident
number two (2) refused attempts of assistance and hit one of the staff. Resident number two (2)
went back into the cottage and a nurse was able to calm the resident down. Resident number two
(2), crying, talked of "being mad", but "not knowing why." After a while, Resident number two
(2) went outside again. A one time order for Ativan gel was obtained. Resident number two (2)
went again to the gate and started to pull on the bars. While Resident number two (2) was
pulling on the bars, the nurse was successful in applying the Ativan gel to the resident's hand.
17. In an interview with Employee number thirteen (13), a Licensed Practical Nurse,
at 8:00 a.m. on December 19, 2007, the employee stated during the November 29, 2007 episode,
"The resident was pulling on the bar of the gate, saying "I am trying to figure out a way to get
out of “here.” Resident number two (2) then "bent two bars and ripped another bar out of the
gate." During the interview, the nurse described Resident number two’s (2) stance as "The
resident braced one knee up against the bar and put both hands on the bar and pulled." Resident
number two (2) threw the bar off to the side and turned around and said, "Where are you" to the
nurse. "I didn't even think to look where you were before I threw that." "I could have hurt you
by mistake." The nurse stated, "The resident then stepped sideways through the space in the gate
where the one bar was missing and the two on each were pulled apart.”
18. After getting out the gate, Resident number two (2), followed by the nurse,
walked around facility grounds. During an interview on November 19, 2007 the nurse stated,
"We walked all around, alternating between the resident's fast Steps and stopping to talk." _The
nurse stated "The resident continued to talk about getting away from the facility. ‘Resident
number two (2) told the nurse "That's why I don't want to have the blood cleaned up on my arm,
because if someone sees an old person with a bleeding arm, they are more likely to feel pity and
pick me up, so I can get away."
19. Continuing with the November 19, 2007, 8:00 a.m. interview with Employee
number thirteen (13), the nurse stated "When the resident headed for 41, the resident was starting
‘to calm down, but we still called 911 to help, in case we could not prevent the resident from
getting out to 41." "Two policemen arrived and the one was very helpful in getting the resident
to go to the hospital for an evaluation." The spouse, who had a proven history of helping to calm
Resident number two (2) down, also arrived right before the police. The Emergency
Management Services team took Resident number two (2) to the hospital by ambulance for an
evaluation and treatment. Resident number two (2) returned from the hospital that evening, with
a physician's order to increase "Seroquel to 100 mg twice a day", "Atavin 1 mg. gel every four
hours as needed for agitation", and "discontinue the oral Ativan."
20. | Employee number thirteen (13) stated during the November 20, 2007 elopement
episode, Resident number two (2) "Questioned what was beyond the trees over there, saying
there's got to be something beyond the trees” and asked the nurse "To go along with me."
21. Employee number twelve (12), during an interview on December 19, 2007 at 7:15
a.m., stated the "Resident's behavior did not change in the two weeks before the next elopement
episode." "The resident was pretty easy to redirect and a lot of times just needed a cup of tea and
some discussion when unsettled." "I never had to medicate the resident when the resident was
upset.”
22. A record review on December 19, 2007 of the Behavior Monitors for Resident
number‘ two (2) revealed only a few atypical behaviors after the first event, with the following:
on November 30, 2007 evening: "Restless and agitated"; on November 30, 2007, "Wandering
and uncooperative" ; and on December 2, 2007 "Up all night."
23. A review on December 19, 2007 of the Resident Health Assessment form, dated
as completed on December 6, 2007, revealed that in the special precautions section Resident
number two (2) was identified as being an elopement risk. Resident number two (2) was ordered
"Ativan 1 mg. gel, apply topically every four hours as needed for agitation."
24. An interview relative to the second elopement episode on December 13, 2007 was
held with Employee number one (1) and the Assistant Program Director, on December 18, 2007
at 12:00 p.m. The employee stated, "I was called on the morning that the resident had. gone
through the gate the second time. She stated "I took Employees number five (5) and number six
(6) with me and I was scared, because the resident had hit me in the chest and also had hit
Employee number five (5) when the resident tried to elope two weeks ago.” "The resident woke
up that morning very agitated and was trying to hit the staff." Employee number one (1)
indicated that Resident number two (2) ran outside to the Cottage number two (2) gate and
started to pull on the same gate bar that was pulled on when Resident number two (2) got
through the gate on November 29, 2007. This episode escalated and once again involved the
police and Emergency Management Services once again being summoned to assist. The episode
ended with Resident number two (2) falling to the ground during an altercation with non-facility
staff, and having to be taken to the hospital for emergency post-fall treatment. Employee
number one (1) on December 19, 2007 stated Resident number two (2) died later that day in the
hospital.
25. During an interview with Employee number five (5) at 2:45 p.m. on December
19, 2007 the employee stated that during the second elopement episode, Resident number two (2)
"Tore the same bar out as was pulled out the first time. "The resident was legally blind, but tore
the gate bar completely out and threw the bar away in the grass." "Then the resident went
through the opening and ran out toward Cottage number five (5) in the back area of the facility.
26. On December 19, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. during a discussion of the November 29,
2007 event with Employee number six (6), the Maintenance Supervisor, stated, "After the
resident bent the bar and pulled it out the first time, I put it back into place." "You know how
aluminum is, though, after it is bent it is not as strong." "The resident ripped out the same’ bar
the second time." When asked during that interview how the bar had been repaired after the
November 29, 2007 event, Employee number six (6) stated "I just straightened the bar and put it
back into place on the gate."
27. | Employee number six (6), during the December 19, 2007 interview at 9:15 a.m.,
stated "The bars on the gate are made of aluminum and are hollow inside."
28. At 9:30 am. on December 19, 2007, when asked about the construction of the
gate, the administrator stated "Yes, the bars are aluminum." "About a year and half ago, two (2)
family members of residents and therapist from the outside got hurt because the gate was so
heavy and it swung back too hard.” "That's why we had all the fences changed to aluminum.”
The administrator stated she was "Not sure exactly how the fence was repaired after the
November 29, 2007 elopement event, but it was repaired the same day that Resident number two
(2) broke it the first time. ”
29. During an initial facility tour with Employee number one (1) at 1:00 p.m. on
December 18, 2007 an observation occurred at the gate outside Cottage number two (2). It was
observed that there were Vertical bars from top to bottom on the gate, which i is s approximately 6-7
feet high. It was also observed that the bar which had been bent and removed by Resident
number two (2) and replaced by the facility maintenance staff showed a slightly indented,
scraped area at the point of where the vertical bar had been bent. The area between the two
vertical bars, where Resident number two (2) had stepped through sideways during each
elopement episode, to exit the gate, was approximately eleven (11) inches wide.
30. On December 19, 2007 sometime after the morning discussions with Employee
number six (6) and the administrator, the surveyor was notified by Employee number six (6) that
"A company from here in Fort Myers that specializes in gates and gate repairs is coming in today
to inspect the gate and make some recommendations.” At 3:30 on December 19, 2007, the
administrator verified that "The company came today and they had placed a metal plate over the
entire gate until they can come back tomorrow with a welding tool to repair. They are coming
back tomorrow with equipment to weld each of the vertical bars on to the top and the bottom of
_ the gate."
31. The Respondent’s deficient practice was related to the operation and maintenance
of the facility or to the personal care of residents which directly threatened the health, safety, or
security of the resident and constitutes a Class II deficiency as defined in Section 429.19(2)(b),
Florida Statutes (2007).
32. The Agency shall impose an administrative fine for a cited Class II violation in an
amount not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and not exceeding five thousand dollars .
($5,000.00) for each violation. A fine shall be levied notwithstanding the correction of the
violation. Section 429.19(2)(b), Florida Statutes (2007).
33. | The Respondent was given a mandatory correction date of January 19, 2008.
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,
intends to impose an administrative fine against the Respondent in the amount of ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00).
CLAIM FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,
respectfully requests the Court to grant the following relief:
1. Enter findings of fact and conclusions of law in favor of the Agency.
2. Impose an administrative fine against the Respondent in the amount of ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00).
3. Order any other relief that the Court deems just and appropriate.
4. Respectfully submitted on this Jand day of ay er uA _, 2008.
Mm,
Andrea M. Lang, Senior Attorney
Florida Bar No. 0364568
Agency for Health Care Administration
Office of the General Counsel ,
2295 Victoria Avenue, Room 346C
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Telephone: (239) 338-3203
NOTICE
THE RESPONDENT IS NOTIFIED THAT IT HAS THE RIGHT TO REQUEST AN
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 120.569 AND 120.57,
FLORIDA STATUTES. IF THE RESPONDENT WANTS TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY,
worn T/HE/SHE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY IN THIS ~~~
MATTER. SPECIFIC OPTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ARE SET OUT IN
THE ATTACHED ELECTION OF RIGHTS FORM.
THE RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED IF THE ELECTION OF RIGHTS FORM
IS NOT RECEIVED BY THE AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF THE RECEIPT OF THIS ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT, A FINAL ORDER WILL BE ENTERED.
THE ELECTION OF RIGHTS FORM SHALL BE MADE TO THE AGENCY FOR
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION AND DELIVERED TO: AGENCY CLERK,
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION, 2727 MAHAN DRIVE,
BUILDING 3, MAIL STOP 3, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32308; TELEPHONE (850) 922-5873.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the Administrative Complaint and
Election of Rights form have been served to: Zachary Ward, Administrator, Extended Care
Portfolio Florida Tenant, LLC d/b/a Encore Senior Village at Naples, 1155 Encore Way, Naples,
Florida 34110, by U.S. Certified Mail, Return Receipt No. 7006 2760 0003 1536 7036, and to:
Walter A. Frey III, Registered Agent for Extended Care Portfolio Florida Tenant, LLC d/b/a
Encore Senior Village at Naples, 7575 Dr. Phillips Boulevard, Suite 235, Orlando, Florida
32819, by U. S. Certified Mail, Return Receipt No. 7006 2760 0003 1537 2832 on this
KD adday or __Aori\ , 2008.
Andrea M. Lang, Senior Attorney
Florida Bar No. 0364568
Agency for Health Care Administration
Office of the General Counsel
2295 Victoria Avenue, Room 346C
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Telephone: (239) 338-3203
+}-1455 Encore Way
Copies furnished to:
Zachary Ward, Administrator
d/b/a Encore Senior Village at Naples
Naples, Florida 34110
(U.S. Certified Mail)
Walter A. Frey III, Registered Agent for
d/b/a Encore Senior Village at Naples
7575 Dr. Phillips Boulevard, Suite 235
Orlando, Florida 32819
(U.S. Certified Mail)
Extended Care Portfolio Florida Tenant, LLC
Extended Care Portfolio Florida Tenant, LLC
Andrea M. Lang, Senior Attorney
Agency for Health Care Administration
Office of the General Counsel
-2295-Victoria Avenue, Room 346C~--~~
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(Interoffice Mail)
Kriste J. Mennella
Field Office Manager
Agency for Health Care Administration
2295 Victoria Avenue, Room 340A
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(Interoffice Mail)
COMPLETE THIS SECTION ON PELIVERY
Lwtack
D. Is delivery address different from item 1? 0 Yes
if YES, enter delivery address below: [1 No
SENDER: COMPLETE THIS SECTION
} ™ Complete items 1,2, and 3. Also complete
( item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. “ :
; l Print your name and address on the reverse. |
: so that we.can return the card to you.
+ Ml Attach this card to. the back of the mailpiece,
oO
(4-¢ a Kddressee
ite
’ 1. Article. Addressed to:
Zachary Ward, Adminis tr
Eneore Senior Nillege at M4
10s Encore Way —
Nvaptes, florida
34110
© Certified Mail - 1 Express Mail
O Registered C Return Receipt for Merchandise
0 insured Mail = C.0.D.
: _. | 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee)
. 2. Article Number. z 5 a7 . r + . .
frranster hom sarice labo) : 7006 2760 GO03 1536 7036
PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt . ; 102595-02-M-1540
Docket for Case No: 08-002630
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Feb. 09, 2009 |
Final Order filed.
|
Aug. 15, 2008 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Aug. 15, 2008 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
|
Aug. 13, 2008 |
Notice of Address Change filed.
|
Aug. 11, 2008 |
Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for August 28, 2008; 9:30 a.m.; Naples, FL; amended as to Location).
|
Jun. 13, 2008 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Jun. 13, 2008 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for August 28, 2008; 9:30 a.m.; Naples, FL).
|
Jun. 10, 2008 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Jun. 03, 2008 |
Initial Order.
|
Jun. 02, 2008 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Jun. 02, 2008 |
Petition for Formal Administrative Proceeding filed.
|
Jun. 02, 2008 |
Order of Dismissal without Prejudice Pursuant to Section 120.569(2)(c), Florida Statutes, to Allow for Amendment and Resubmission of Petition filed.
|
Jun. 02, 2008 |
Amended Petition for Formal Administrative Proceeding filed.
|
Jun. 02, 2008 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
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