Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: SOUTH MIAMI HEIGHTS ALF, INC., D/B/A SOUTH MIAMI HEIGHTS ALF
Judges: JOHN G. VAN LANINGHAM
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Miami, Florida
Filed: Oct. 02, 2008
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Thursday, November 6, 2008.
Latest Update: Feb. 12, 2025
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR HEALTH
CARE ADMINISTRATION,
Petitioner, AHCA No.: 2008008282
Return Receipt Requested:
v. 7004 2890 0000 5525 9945
7004 2890 0000 5525 9952
SOUTH MIAMI HEIGHTS ALF, INC. d/b/a
SOUTH MIAMI HEIGHTS ALF,
Respondent.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW State of Florida, Agency for Health Care
Administration (“AHCA”), by and through the undersigned counsel,
and files this administrative complaint against South Miami
Heights ALF, Inc. d/b/a South Miami Heights ALF (hereinafter
“South Miami Heights ALF”), pursuant to Chapter 429, Part I, and
Section 120.60, Florida Statutes (2007), and alleges:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is an action to impose an administrative fine of
$1,500.00 pursuant to Sections 429.14 and 429.19, Florida
Statutes (2007), for the protection of public health, safety and
welfare.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
2. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Sections
120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (2007), and Chapter 28-106,
Florida Administrative Code (2007).
3. Venue lies in Miami-Dade County pursuant to Section
120.57, Florida Statutes (2007), and Rule 28-106.207, Florida
Administrative Code (2007).
PARTIES
4. AHCA is the regulatory authority responsible for
licensure and enforcement of all applicable statutes and rules
governing assisted living facilities pursuant to Chapter 429,
Part 1, Florida Statutes (2007), and Chapter 58A-5 Florida
Administrative Code (2007).
5. South Miami Heights ALF operates a 4-bed assisted
living facility located at 11720 s. W. 181 Terrace, Miami,
Florida 33177. South Miami Heights ALF is licensed as an
assisted living facility under license number 10904. South Miami
Heights ALF was at all times material hereto a licensed facility
under the licensing authority of AHCA and was required to comply
with all applicable rules and statutes.
COUNT I
SOUTH MIAMI HEIGHTS ALF FAILED TO ENSURE THAT MEDICATION CABINET
WAS LOCKED AT ALL TIMES.
RULE 58A-5.0185(6) (b)2., FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(MEDICATION STANDARDS)
CLASS III VIOLATION
6. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
7. South Miami Heights ALF was cited with three (3) Class
III deficiencies as a result of a complaint investigation survey
and a licensure survey that were conducted on June 18, 2007 and
May 6, 2008.
8. A complaint investigation survey was conducted on June
18, 2007. Based on observation and staff interview, it was
determined that the facility failed to ensure the medication
cabinet was locked at all times. The findings include the
following.
9. Facility tour conducted on 06/18/07 at 10:30 a.m.
revealed the medication cabinet located in the kitchen was
unlocked. An unsecured container of Lidocaine 5% ointment was
observed in the medication cabinet.
10. An interview conducted with the administrator on
06/18/07 at 10:30 a.m. confirmed the medication cabinet in the
kitchen area was unlocked and a container of Lidocaine 5%
ointment was inside the cabinet.
11. The mandated date of correction was designated as July
18, 2007.
12. A licensure survey was conducted on May 6, 2008. Based
on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the
facility failed to ensure that its medications were locked up at
all times. The findings include the following.
13. Observation of the inside of the facility's
refrigerator on 5/6/08 at approximately 10 AM revealed that
there was Insulin being stored inside the refrigerator in a
Tupperware container. The Insulin was for Resident #3.
14. Staff interview with the facility's administrator on
5/6/08 at approximately confirmed these findings. He/she then
moved the Insulin into a lockbox and placed it back into the
refrigerator. This is a repeat violation from the survey of June
18, 2007.
15. Based on the foregoing facts, South Miami Heights ALF
violated Rule 58A-5.0185(6) (b)2., Florida Administrative Code,
herein classified as a repeat Class III violation, which
warrants an assessed fine of $500.00.
COUNT II
SOUTH MIAMI HEIGHTS ALF FAILED TO ENSURE THAT THE FACILITY WAS
FREE FROM HAZARDS THAT MAY THREATEN THE SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS.
RULE 58A-5.023(1) (a), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(PHYSICAL PLANT STANDARDS)
CLASS III VIOLATION
16. AHCA yre-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as. if fully set forth herein.
17. A complaint investigation survey was conducted on June
18, 2007. Based on observation and staff interview, it was
determined that the facility failed to ensure the facility was
free from hazards that may threaten the safety of the residents.
The findings include the following.
18. Facility tour conducted on 06/18/07 at 10:30 a.m.
revealed that resident room #1 had an extension cord which
connected the television lying across the floor obstructing the
pathway.
19. An interview conducted with the administrator on
06/18/07 at 10:30 a.m. revealed that she had connected the
television to that extension due to a previous power outage.
20. The mandated date of correction was designated as July
18, 2007.
21. A licensure survey was conducted on May 6, 2008. Based
on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the
facility failed to provide a safe environment for residents. The
findings include the following.
22. Observation of the facility's backyard on 5/6/08 at
approximately 10:30 AM revealed that there was a structure
currently under construction. There was a 3 foot piece of rebar
on the ground and numerous wooden planks lying in and around the
construction site (which was approximately 10 feet by 10 feet).
Each plank had multiple nails sticking out of it.
23. Staff interview with the facility's administrator
conducted on 5/6/08 at approximately 12 PM confirmed these
findings. This is a repeat violation from the survey of June 18,
2007.
24. Based on the foregoing facts, South Miami Heights ALF
violated Rule 58A-5.023(1) (a), Florida Administrative Code,
herein classified as a repeat Class III violation, which
warrants an assessed fine of $500.00.
COUNT III
SOUTH MIAMI HEIGHTS ALF FAILED TO ENSURE THAT PERSONNEL RECORDS
CONTAINED VERIFICATION OF FREEDOM FROM COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
INCLUDING TUBERCULOSIS.
SECTION 429.275(4), FLORIDA STATUTES ;
RULE 58A-5.024(2) (a), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(STAFF RECORDS STANDARDS)
CLASS III VIOLATION
25. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
26. A complaint investigation survey was conducted on June
18, 2007. Based on record review and staff interview, it was
determined that the facility failed to ensure that 2 of 2 (#1
and #2) sample employees maintain an annual physical exam that
contained verification of freedom from communicable disease. The
findings include the following.
27. Personnel record review revealed that the
administrator and the caretaker staff #2 did not have a physical
exam on file that contained verification of freedom from
communicable disease.
28. An interview conducted with the administrator on
06/18/07 at 2:30 p.m. confirmed the findings.
29. The mandated date of correction was designated as July
18, 2007.
30. A licensure survey was conducted on May 6, 2008. Based
on staff record review and staff interview, it was determined
that the facility failed to provide verification that 2 of 3
sampled employees (#2 and #3) were free of communicable disease.
The findings include the following.
31. Staff record review of staff #2's (hired 4/08). file
revealed no statement of freedom from communicable disease.
32. Review of staff #3's file reveals no statement of
freedom from communicable disease as well.
33. Staff interview with the facility's administrator on
5/6/08 at approximately 12 PM confirmed these findings. This is
a repeat violation from the survey of June 18, 2007.
34. Based on the foregoing facts, South Miami Heights ALF
violated Section 429.275(4), Florida Statutes and Rule 58A-
5.024(2) (a), Florida Administrative Code, herein classified as a
repeat Class III violation, which warrants an assessed fine of
$500.00.
CLAIM FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the Agency requests the Court to order the
following relief:
1. Enter a judgment in favor of the Agency for Health
Care Administration against South Miami Heights ALF on Counts I
through III.
2. Assess an administrative fine of $1,500.00 against
South Miami Heights ALF on Counts I through III for the
violations cited above.
3. Assess costs related to the investigation and
prosecution of this matter, if the Court finds costs applicable.
4, 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. (2007). Specific options for administrative
action are set out in the attached Election of Rights. All
requests for hearing shall be made to the Agency for Health Care
Administration, and delivered to the Agency Clerk, Agency for
Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, MS #3,
Tallahassee, Florida 32308.
RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT THE FAILURE TO RECE
REQUEST FOR A HEARING WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF RECEI
THIS COMPLAINT WILL RESULT IN AN ADMISSION OF THE FACTS ALL
PT OF
EGED
IN THE COMPLAINT AND THE ENTRY OF A FINAL ORDER BY THE AGENCY.
IF YOU WANT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE
REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY IN THIS MATTER
oe 4
Cobia +). Hedied Ly
Alba M. aatige Z, oe £
Fla. Bar No.: 0880175
Assistant General Counsel
Agency for Health Care
Administration
8350 N.W. 52 Terrace
Miami,
Copies furnished to:
R. Steve Emling
Field Office Manager
Agency for Health Care Administration
8355 N. W. 537? Street
Miami, Florida 33166
(Interoffice Mail)
Finance and Accounting
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
Assisted Living Facility Unit Program
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
10
Florida 33166
#103
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 Anne Hamilton, Administrator, South Miami
Heights ALF, 11720 S. W. 181 Terrace, Miami, Florida 33177; Anne
M. Hamilton, Registered “en 11720 S. W. 181 Terrace, Miami,
Florida 33177 on this gi “day of August, 2008.
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Coiba: £xy). fjectis, i fn,
Alba M. Rodeibient Esq. 4°
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US. Postal Services
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Docket for Case No: 08-004929
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Mar. 11, 2009 |
Final Order filed.
|
Nov. 06, 2008 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Nov. 06, 2008 |
Motion to Close File and Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
|
Oct. 09, 2008 |
Order Enlarging Time (parties shall have until November 7, 2008, to respond to the Initial Order).
|
Oct. 08, 2008 |
Agreed Motion for Extension of Time to File Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Oct. 03, 2008 |
Initial Order.
|
Oct. 02, 2008 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Oct. 02, 2008 |
Election of Rights filed.
|
Oct. 02, 2008 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
|