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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING vs ARECI ROBLEDO, 17-004870PL (2017)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:West Palm Beach, Florida Aug. 28, 2017 Number: 17-004870PL Latest Update: Mar. 28, 2018

The Issue Whether Respondent raced animals that were impermissibly medicated or determined to have prohibited substances present, resulting in a positive test for such medications or substances in violation of section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2016),1/ as alleged in the administrative complaints; and, if so, the penalty that should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact The Parties Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulating pari-mutuel wagering in the state of Florida pursuant to chapter 550. Respondent is the holder of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Individual Occupational License No. 1572955-1021, which authorizes her to train greyhounds in Florida pursuant to section 550.105. Respondent has been licensed by Petitioner since 2009. At all times relevant to the charges at issue in these proceedings, Respondent was subject to chapter 550 and the implementing rules codified in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61D-6. The Administrative Complaints As noted above, Petitioner served Respondent with four administrative complaints charging her with a total of seven counts of violating statutes and rules governing pari-mutuel racing by impermissibly medicating or administering prohibited substances to racing greyhounds for which she was the trainer of record for races held at the PBKC on specific dates between September 27, 2016, and January 28, 2017. DOAH Case No. 17-4870 On November 28, 2016, Petitioner filed with its clerk's office an administrative complaint consisting of two enforcement cases, DBPR Case Nos. 2016-049902 and 2016-051419. This administrative complaint was assigned DOAH Case No. 17-4870. Count I of this administrative complaint, DBPR Case No. 2016-049902, charges Respondent with having violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA ACURA, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for dimethyl sulfoxide. Count II of this administrative complaint, DBPR Case No. 2016-051419, charges Respondent with having violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA DALT, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for caffeine. DOAH Case No. 17-4871 On November 30, 2016, Petitioner filed with its clerk's office an administrative complaint consisting of two enforcement cases, DBPR Case Nos. 2016-053062 and 2016-053069. This administrative complaint was assigned DOAH Case No. 17-4871. Count I of this administrative complaint, DBPR Case No. 2016-053062, charges Respondent with having violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA EDGE, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for theobromine. Count II of this administrative complaint, also part of DBPR Case No. 2016-053062, charges Respondent with having violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA EDGE, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for theophylline. Count III of this administrative complaint, DBPR Case No. 2016-053069, charged Respondent with having violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA DALT, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for theobromine. DOAH Case No. 17-4872 On December 28, 2016, Petitioner filed with its clerk's office an administrative complaint consisting of one enforcement case, DBPR Case No. 2016-056707. This administrative complaint was assigned DOAH Case No. 17-4872. In this administrative complaint, Petitioner has charged Respondent with having violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound RCK MOHICAN, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for caffeine. DOAH Case No. 17-4873 On February 16, 2017, Petitioner filed with its clerk's office an administrative complaint consisting of one enforcement case, DBPR Case No. 2017-006845. This administrative complaint was assigned DOAH Case No. 17-4873. In this administrative complaint, Petitioner has charged Respondent with having violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA HAPPY, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for caffeine. The Alleged Violations and Respondent's Defenses Racing Greyhound Urine Sample Collection and Testing PBKC is a facility operated by a permit holder authorized to conduct pari-mutuel wagering in Florida under chapter 550. Respondent trained and raced greyhounds at PBKC between September 27, 2016, and January 28, 2017, the time period relevant to these consolidated proceedings. All violations charged in the administrative complaints are alleged to have occurred at PBKC. To enforce the statutes and rules prohibiting the impermissible medication or administration of prohibited substances to racing greyhounds, Petitioner collects urine samples from racing greyhounds immediately before races in which they are participating. At the PBKC, urine samples from racing greyhounds are collected in a restricted area called the "ginny pit." Jessica Zimmerman, chief veterinary assistant for Petitioner, described Petitioner's urine sampling process. The samples are collected by veterinary assistants using clean cups that are unsealed immediately before being used to collect the samples. When each urine sample is collected, the veterinary assistant checks the identification number tattooed on the greyhound's ear and completes a PMW 503 form.5/ Here, the evidence establishes that the urine samples collected that have given rise to this proceeding were collected pursuant to this process.6/ The PMW 503 form shows the pari-mutuel wagering facility for which it was prepared——in these consolidated cases, for the PBKC——and lists the date, race, and post number of the greyhound; the greyhound's name and tattoo number; the time the sample was collected; the trainer's name; the collector's initials; and a unique sample number. Here, the completed PMW 503 forms and other evidence established that Respondent was the trainer of record for the following greyhounds that participated in specified races held on specific dates and from which urine samples were taken: ATASCOCITA ACURA, tattoo no. 6328024A, urine specimen no. 105889, twelfth race on September 27, 2016; ATASCOCITA DALT, tattoo no. 6407364C, urine specimen no. 108583, second race on October 15, 2016; ATASCOCITA EDGE, tattoo no. 65280114G, urine specimen no. 108633, ninth race on October 19, 2016; ATASCOCITA DALT, tattoo no. 6407364C, urine specimen no. 108304, tenth race on October 19, 2016; RCK MOHICAN, tattoo no. 65640124A, urine specimen no. 113568, eighth race on November 26, 2016; ATASCOCITA HAPPY, tattoo no. 65573124J, urine specimen no. 125184, ninth race on January 28, 2017. Once a urine sample has been collected, the container is sealed with tape to maintain the integrity of the sample, and a tag on which the sample number is written is attached to the container holding the collected urine sample.7/ The urine samples are placed in a freezer at a restricted area at Petitioner's office and held there until they are shipped to the University of Florida Racing Laboratory ("UF Lab")8/ for testing for the presence of impermissible medications or prohibited substances. Petitioner is in constant possession of the samples until they are shipped to the UF Lab. The containers in which the samples are shipped are securely locked. Here, the evidence established that urine specimen nos. 105889, 108583, 108633, 108304, 113568, and 125184 were collected, sealed, stored, and shipped to the UF Lab pursuant to the above-described protocol. Once the samples are received at the UF Lab, laboratory staff inspect the samples to ensure that the evidence tape has adhered to the sample cup, cross-check the sample numbers with those on the accompanying PMW 503 form, identify any discrepancies with respect to date and sample number and record them on a discrepancy form,9/ and log the samples into the Laboratory Information Management System. Thereafter, the samples are assigned an internal alphanumeric number and moved into a limited-access area, where they are stored while laboratory staff perform testing. The samples are stored in this area until they either are confirmed as positive for an impermissible medication or a prohibited substance——in which case they are moved to a specific freezer for storage——or confirmed as negative for a medication or prohibited substance and thereafter discarded. As part of the sample testing process, an aliquot is taken and tested for an impermissible medication or a prohibited substance. If the test initially indicates a positive result for an impermissible medication or a prohibited substance, a confirmatory test is performed to determine the quantity of the medication or substance in the sample. The confirmatory testing process entails running calibrated samples, positive controls to ensure that the extraction process was accurate, and negative controls to ensure that there is no carryover of the medication or substance through the confirmatory testing process. If the confirmatory testing process yields a positive result for an impermissible medication or prohibited substance, the documentation is subjected to a two-step supervisory review, followed by generation of a Report of Positive Result, which is transmitted to Petitioner. Here, the evidence establishes that urine specimen nos. 105889, 108583, 108633, 108304, 113568, and 125184 were logged, stored, and tested at the UF Lab pursuant to this protocol. The Association of Racing Commissioners International has adopted the Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances ("ARCI Guidelines"). Classes range from class I drugs, which are stimulants without therapeutic value and are most likely to affect the outcome of a race, to class V drugs, which have the most therapeutic value and the least potential to affect the outcome of a race. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and class II drug. Under rule 61D-6.007(3)(a), levels of caffeine at a urinary concentration less than or equal to 200 nanograms per milliliter are not reported to Petitioner as an impermissible medication or prohibited substance. Conversely, levels of caffeine at a urinary concentration greater than 200 nanograms per milliliter are reported to Petitioner as an impermissible medication or prohibited substance. Theobromine is a diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, and class IV drug. Under rule 61D-6.007(3)(b), levels of theobromine at urinary concentrations less than or equal to 400 nanograms per milliliter are not reported to Petitioner as an impermissible medication or prohibited substance. Conversely, levels of theobromine at urinary concentrations greater than 400 nanograms per milliliter are reported to Petitioner as an impermissible medication or prohibited substance. Theophylline is a bronchodilator, smooth muscle relaxant, and class III drug. Under rule 61D-6.007(3)(b), levels of theophylline at urinary concentrations less than or equal to 400 nanograms per milliliter are not reported to Petitioner as an impermissible medication or a prohibited substance. Conversely, levels of theophylline at urinary concentrations greater than 400 nanograms per milliliter are reported to Petitioner as an impermissible medication or a prohibited substance. Dimethyl sulfoxide is an anti-inflammatory agent and class IV drug. Dimethyl sulfoxide is a non-threshold drug, which means that it is not permitted to be in a racing greyhound's body at any concentration. Therefore, the detection of any concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide in a urine sample is reported to Petitioner as an impermissible medication or a prohibited substance. Pursuant to section 550.2415(1)(c), the finding of a prohibited substance in a race-day specimen taken from a racing greyhound constitutes prima facie evidence that the substance was administered and was carried in the body of the animal while participating in the race. Urine Specimen Test Results Urine Specimen No. 105889 - ATASCOCITA ACURA As noted above, urine specimen no. 105889 was collected by Petitioner's veterinary assistant from ATASCOCITA ACURA, tattoo no. 6328024A, before the twelfth race on September 27, 2016. UF Lab gas chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 105889 showed a urine concentration of 210 micrograms per milliliter of dimethyl sulfoxide. The UF Lab prepared and transmitted to Petitioner a Report of Positive Result dated October 27, 2016, reporting this test result for urine specimen no. 105889. As discussed above, dimethyl sulfoxide is a non- threshold drug. Accordingly, the finding of 210 micrograms per milliliter of dimethyl sulfoxide in urine specimen no. 105889 establishes that ATASCOCITA ACURA carried an impermissible medication or a prohibited substance in its body during the twelfth race on September 27, 2016. Urine Specimen No. 108583 – ATASCOCITA DALT As noted above, urine specimen no. 108583 was collected by Petitioner's veterinary assistant from ATASCOCITA DALT, tattoo no. 6407364C, before the second race on October 15, 2016. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 108583 showed a urine concentration of 4.343 +/- 0.03 micrograms per milliliter of caffeine. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 108583 showed a urine concentration of 728 +/- 90 nanograms per milliliter of theobromine. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 108583 showed a urine concentration of 1.578 +/- 0.08 micrograms per milliliter of theophylline. These concentrations exceed the non-reportable levels for each of these substances established in rule 61D-6.007(3). The UF Lab prepared and transmitted to Petitioner a Report of Positive Result dated October 27, 2016, reporting these test results for urine specimen no. 108583. The findings of urine concentrations of 4.343 +/- 0.03 micrograms per milliliter of caffeine, 728 +/- 90 nanograms per milliliter of theobromine, and 1.578 +/- 0.08 micrograms per milliliter of theophylline establish that ATASCOCITA DALT carried these impermissible medications or prohibited substances in its body during the second race on October 15, 2016. Notwithstanding that the test results for urine specimen no. 108583 showed the presence of theobromine and theophylline in ATASCOCITA DALT during the second race on October 15, 2016, at concentrations above the non-reportable levels established in rule 61D-6.007(3), Petitioner has not charged Respondent with violations related to the presence of these substances, and has only charged Respondent with one violation for the presence of caffeine above the non-reportable level during the second race on October 15, 2016. Urine Specimen No. 108633 – ATASCOCITA EDGE As noted above, urine specimen no. 108633 was collected by Petitioner's veterinary assistant from ATASCOCITA EDGE, tattoo no. 65280114G, before the ninth race on October 19, 2016. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 108633 showed a urine concentration of 822 +/- 90 nanograms per milliliter of theobromine. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 108633 showed a urine concentration of 625 +/- 80 nanograms per milliliter of theophylline. These concentrations exceed the non-reportable levels for each of these medications or substances established in rule 61D-6.007(3). The UF Lab prepared and transmitted to Petitioner a Report of Positive Result dated November 17, 2016, reporting these test results for urine specimen no. 108633. The findings of urine concentrations of 822 +/- 90 nanograms per milliliter of theobromine and 625 +/- 80 nanograms per milliliter of theophylline establish that ATASCOCITA EDGE carried these impermissible medications or prohibited substances in its body during the ninth race on October 19, 2016. Urine Specimen No. 108304 – ATASCOCITA DALT As noted above, urine specimen no. 108304 was collected by Petitioner's veterinary assistant from ATASCOCITA DALT, tattoo no. 6407364C, before the tenth race on October 19, 2016. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 108304 showed a urine concentration of 534 +/- 90 nanograms per milliliter of theobromine. This concentration exceeds the non-reportable level for this substance established in rule 61D-6.007(3). The UF Lab prepared and transmitted to Petitioner a Report of Positive Result dated November 17, 2016, reporting this test result for urine specimen no. 108304. The finding of a urine concentration of 534 +/- 90 nanograms per milliliter of theobromine establishes that ATASCOCITA DALT carried this impermissible medication or prohibited substance in its body during the tenth race on October 19, 2016. Urine Specimen No. 113568 – RCK MOHICAN As noted above, urine specimen no. 113568 was collected by Petitioner's veterinary assistant from RCK MOHICAN, tattoo no. 65640124A, before the eighth race on November 26, 2016. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 113568 showed a urine concentration of 8.532 +/- 0.03 micrograms per milliliter of caffeine. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 113568 showed a urine concentration of 3.434 +/- 0.09 micrograms per milliliter of theobromine. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 113568 showed a urine concentration of 8.374 +/- 0.08 micrograms per milliliter of theophylline. These concentrations exceed the non-reportable levels for each of these medications or substances established in rule 61D-6.007(3). The UF Lab prepared and transmitted to Petitioner a Report of Positive Result dated December 13, 2016, reporting these test results for urine specimen no. 113568. The findings of 8.532 +/- 0.03 micrograms per milliliter of caffeine, 3.434 +/- 0.09 micrograms per milliliter of theobromine, and 8.374 +/- 0.08 micrograms per milliliter of theophylline establish that RCK MOHICAN carried these impermissible medications or prohibited substances in its body during the eighth race on November 26, 2016. Notwithstanding that the test results for urine specimen no. 113568 showed the presence of theobromine and theophylline in RCK MOHICAN during the eighth race on November 26, 2016, at concentrations above the non-reportable levels established in rule 61D-6.007(3), Petitioner has not charged Respondent with violations related to the presence of these medications or substances, and has only charged Respondent with one violation for the presence of caffeine above the non- reportable level during the eighth race on November 26, 2016. Urine Specimen No. 125184 – ATASCOCITA HAPPY As noted above, urine specimen no. 125184 was collected by Petitioner's veterinary assistant from ATASCOCITA HAPPY, tattoo no. 655731245, before the ninth race on January 28, 2017. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 125184 showed a urine concentration greater than 1.25 micrograms per milliliter of caffeine. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 125184 showed a urine concentration of 988 +/- 90 nanograms per milliliter of theobromine. UF Lab liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry testing of urine specimen no. 125184 showed a urine concentration of 2.129 +/- 0.08 micrograms per milliliter of theophylline. These concentrations exceed the non-reportable levels for each of these substances established in rule 61D-6.007(3). The UF Lab prepared and transmitted to Petitioner a Report of Positive Result dated February 10, 2017, reporting these test results for urine specimen no. 125184. The findings of urine concentrations of greater than 1.25 micrograms per milliliter of caffeine, 988 +/- 90 nanograms per milliliter of theobromine, and 2.129 +/- 0.08 micrograms per milliliter of theophylline establish that ATASCOCITA HAPPY carried these impermissible medications or prohibited substances in its body during the ninth race on January 28, 2017. Again, it is noted that notwithstanding that the test results for urine specimen no. 125184 showed the presence of theobromine and theophylline in ATASCOCITA HAPPY during the ninth race on January 28, 2017, at concentrations above the non- reportable levels established in rule 61D-6.007(3), Petitioner has not charged Respondent with violations related to the presence of these medications or substances, and has only charged Respondent with one violation for the presence of caffeine above the non-reportable level during the ninth race on January 28, 2017. Respondent's Defenses Respondent denied having administered any impermissible medications or prohibited substances to the racing greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings. Respondent also questioned, on three grounds, the accuracy of the test results showing the presence of impermissible medications or prohibited substances in the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings. First, Respondent disputes whether the urine specimens that yielded the positive test results were taken from the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings. She noted that under Petitioner's previous practice, when a urine sample was taken from a dog, the trainer was able to be present to verify that the animal from which the sample was collected was trained by him or her. She testified that now, under Petitioner's current sampling practice, the trainer is not able to be present so cannot verify the identity of the animal from which the sample is taken. This argument is not persuasive.10/ As previously discussed, Zimmerman described the process by which urine samples are collected from racing greyhounds for prohibited substances testing. As part of the urine sampling protocol, the identity of the greyhound from which the sample is collected is determined pursuant to an identification number tattooed on the dog's ear and that identification number is recorded both on the PMW 503 form and on the urine sample card that is transmitted to the UF Lab for testing. As previously noted, the evidence shows that this protocol was followed in collecting urine samples from the racing greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings. Apart from mere conjecture,11/ Respondent did not present any evidence to show that the urine specimens for which positive test results were obtained were not collected from the greyhounds specifically identified herein, on the dates and at the times pertinent to these proceedings. Respondent presented evidence to show that conditions at the PBKC made it possible for racing greyhounds to ingest foods and beverages that could cause urine specimens from those animals to test positive for impermissible medications or prohibited substances. Specifically, Respondent testified that foods, such as chocolate, and beverages, such as coffee, sodas, and Red Bull, are available to purchase at the PBKC; that PBKC personnel consume these foods and beverages at many locations within the facility; that these foods and beverages are often left unattended in areas where they are accessible to the racing greyhounds; and that the greyhounds sometimes consume these foods and beverages. Jamie Testa corroborated Respondent's testimony. She echoed that PBKC personnel consume food and beverages in the PBKC facility and leave unfinished food and beverages in various locations, including in the weigh-in area, that are accessible to the greyhounds. She recounted one occasion on which she observed a veterinarian at the PBKC spill coffee and not clean up the spill, leaving it accessible for consumption by greyhounds. She described these conditions at PBKC as pervasive and continuing. In her words, "it's not just from one day. It's every day." On cross-examination, Testa acknowledged that greyhounds are muzzled during the weigh-in process, although she nonetheless asserted that this "doesn't mean that the dogs cannot pick up anything that's on the ground." However, she conceded that she did not witness the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings consuming food or beverages during the weigh-in or at any other times on the dates and at the times relevant to these proceedings. Arthur Agganis also corroborated Respondent's testimony that PBKC personnel often consume food and beverages in close proximity to the racing greyhounds, and that food and coffee is sometimes spilled on the ground. Agganis testified that on one occasion he observed a greyhound eat food off of the ground. On cross-examination, Agganis acknowledged that he did not witness any food or spilled coffee at the PBKC on the dates relevant to these proceedings. Respondent also presented an exhibit consisting of eight photographs ostensibly taken inside the PBKC.12/ The photographs depict vending machines from which chocolate bars and other snacks and sodas can be purchased, employees eating food, and unattended soda containers and beverage cups placed on tables and on the floor. On cross-examination, Respondent acknowledged that she took some, but not all, of the photographs, and some of the photographs were provided to her by other persons. She did not identify which photographs she took and which were provided to her by other persons. She also did not identify the specific locations within the PBKC facility in which the photographs ostensibly were taken; she did not identify the persons who took the photographs; and she did not present any testimony by these persons to establish that the photographs were, in fact, taken in the PBKC or that they accurately depict conditions within the PBKC. She also did not present any evidence establishing that the photographs were taken on the dates and at the times when the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings raced. In fact, she acknowledged that none of the photographs were taken on those dates, but instead were taken during a timeframe spanning from three months to one week before the final hearing. Respondent's argument that the positive test results are due to the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings having ingested foods or beverages at the PBKC rather than having been purposely administered those substances, is unpersuasive. Respondent did not present any evidence to show that the conditions described in Testa's and Agganis' testimony or portrayed in the photographs accurately depicted the conditions present at the PBKC on the specific dates and at the specific times during which the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings raced. Most important, even if the evidence showed that these conditions existed at the PBKC on the dates and at the times the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings raced, no evidence was presented showing that the greyhounds actually ingested anything at the PBKC that may have caused the positive test results. To the contrary, Respondent, Testa, and Agganis all acknowledged that they did not witness the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings ingest any foods or beverages at the PBKC on the dates and at the times pertinent to these proceedings. Respondent also argues that the urine samples taken from the greyhounds that are the subject of these proceedings could have been collected in contaminated containers, resulting in false positive test results for impermissible medications or prohibited substances. Specifically, Respondent testified: "I was able to see two people, like the females from the State, the ones who do——who collect the urine with their coffee cup." Testa also testified that on occasion, she observed veterinary assistants collecting urine samples by placing a urine sample collection cup on the sand in the ginny pit, which could cause cross-contamination of the urine sample. Respondent's testimony that she observed Petitioner's veterinary assistants collect urine samples from greyhounds using coffee cups is neither credible nor persuasive. In fact, Respondent herself testified that trainers do not have access to the ginny pit, so are unable to observe the urine collection process. These contradictions render Respondent's testimony incredible. Further, there is no evidence showing that Petitioner's veterinary assistants placed the urine collection cups on the sand in the ginny pit when collecting urine samples from the greyhounds that are the subject of the proceedings on the pertinent dates and at the pertinent times. Rather, the evidence establishes that Petitioner's veterinary assistants consistently follow an established protocol in collecting urine specimens for testing, which includes using clean, sealed cups that are unsealed immediately before the sample is collected, and then resealed with evidence tape and tagged with the sample number. The credible, persuasive evidence shows that Petitioner's veterinary assistants followed this protocol in collecting the urine samples from the greyhounds that are the subject of this proceeding on the dates and at the times pertinent to these proceedings. There is no credible, persuasive evidence showing that this protocol was not followed by Petitioner's veterinary assistants in collecting the urine samples from the greyhounds that are the subject of this proceeding on the dates and at the times pertinent to this proceeding. Findings of Ultimate Fact Regarding Violations Based on the foregoing, it is determined that Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA ACURA, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting a positive test for dimethyl sulfoxide. Based on the foregoing, it is determined that Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA DALT, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for caffeine. Based on the foregoing, it is determined that Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA EDGE, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for theobromine. Based on the foregoing, it is determined that Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA EDGE, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for theophylline. Based on the foregoing, it is determined that Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA DALT, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for theobromine. Based on the foregoing, it is determined that Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound RCK MOHICAN, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for caffeine. Based on the foregoing, it is determined that Respondent violated section 550.2415(1)(a) by racing greyhound ATASCOCITA HAPPY, which was impermissibly medicated or determined to have a prohibited substance present resulting in a positive test for caffeine. Aggravating or Mitigating Factors Petitioner presented evidence proving that Respondent was disciplined in 2011 for two violations involving the administration of class III drugs to racing greyhounds. These violations are relevant to determining the applicable penalty ranges in rule 61D-6.012. The violations charged in the administrative complaints filed on November 28 and 30, 2016, and December 28, 2016, occurred sufficiently close together in time such that Respondent was not informed of the violations in these complaints in time to enable her to take corrective measures. However, by the time the administrative complaint dated February 16, 2017, was filed, Respondent was on notice of the violations charged in the previously served administrative complaints, so she had sufficient time before the January 28, 2017, race to take appropriate corrective measures. This constitutes an aggravating factor in determining appropriate penalties. The evidence establishes that the caffeine level in RCK MOHICAN on November 26, 2016, was approximately 42 times the permissible limit for that substance established in rule 61D- 6.007(3)(a). As noted above, caffeine is a class II drug, which means that there is a high potential that its administration would affect the greyhound's performance. This constitutes an aggravating factor in determining appropriate penalties.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, enter final orders in these proceedings as follows: For DOAH Case No. 17-4870, finding that Respondent committed two violations of section 550.2451(1)(a) and imposing a penalty consisting of a $1,500 fine and suspending Respondent's license for 75 days; For DOAH Case No. 17-4871, finding that Respondent committed three violations of section 550.2415(1)(a) and imposing a penalty consisting of a $1,750 fine and suspending Respondent's license for 60 days; For DOAH Case No. 17-4872, finding that Respondent committed one violation of section 550.2415(1)(a) and imposing a penalty consisting of a $1,200 fine and suspending Respondent's license for 72 days; and For DOAH Case No. 17-4873, finding that Respondent committed one violation of section 550.2415 and imposing a penalty consisting of a $1,200 fine and suspending Respondent's license for 72 days. DONE AND ENTERED this 27th day of December, 2017, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S Cathy M. Sellers Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 27th day of December, 2017.

Florida Laws (9) 120.54120.569120.57120.68550.0251550.105550.24156.0190.202
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DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND TRAINING COMMISSION vs VIRGINIA M. NEWBERRY, 89-004535 (1989)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Aug. 22, 1989 Number: 89-004535 Latest Update: Jan. 29, 1990

The Issue Whether Respondent failed to maintain the qualification set forth in Section 943.13(7), Florida Statutes, requiring a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida to have good moral character by unlawfully being in actual or constructive possession of cocaine on or about May 9, 1988, and by introducing cocaine into her body on or about that date.

Findings Of Fact On November 15, 1974, the State of Florida, acting through Petitioner, certified Respondent as a law enforcement officer. Certificate number 02-11734 was duly issued to Respondent by Petitioner. Respondent is a sworn police officer who has been employed as an investigator in the Special Investigations Unit of the Dade County School System for over 14 years. The Special Investigations Unit is a law enforcement agency consisting of approximately 56 sworn officers whose duties include follow-up investigations on internal issues and the investigation of crimes that are committed on School Board property. There is also a uniformed division which patrols certain of the schools in the Dade County system. The sworn officers of the Special Investigation Unit are required to be certified by Petitioner even though they are employed by the Dade County School Board as School Board employees. The sworn officers of the Special Investigation Unit are represented for collective bargaining purposes with the Dade County School Board by the Police Benevolent Association. The labor contract that was negotiated on behalf of Respondent and her fellow sworn officers of the Special Investigative Unit require that each sworn officer take an annual physical to include the giving of a urine sample from the officer to be analyzed for the presence of controlled substances. Respondent was directed by her employer to present herself on May 9, 1988, for an annual physical examination at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Respondent was aware that an annual physical, including a drug test would be required of her. She was given over two weeks advance notice of the exact date the physical examination would occur. On May 9, 1988, Respondent reported to Mount Sinai Medical Center to submit to the annual physical examination required by her employer. She was given a small sterile sample bottle in which she produced a sample of her urine as instructed. Nurse Cheryl Cain, the Mount Sinai employee responsible for the collection of the urine sample from Respondent, received the urine sample from Respondent and promptly divided the urine sample into two smaller sterile bottles and sealed each of the smaller bottles with its cap and with evidence tape. Nurse Cain followed Mount Sinai's procedures in collecting and sealing the urine sample. The sealed bottles containing Respondent's urine sample were labeled so that each bottle was identified as containing Respondent's urine sample. An identifying series of numbers, referred to as that bottle's bar code, was placed on each of the bottles. Bar code number 118856 was placed on one bottle and bar code number 110783 was placed on the other bottle. The two bottles were then placed in a locked box. On May 9, 1988, the sealed bottles containing Respondent's urine sample were picked up by an employee of Toxicology Testing Service and transported to the facilities of Toxicology Testing Service in Dade County, Florida. Mount Sinai used adequate procedures to ensure that Respondent's urine sample was properly labeled, that the chain of custody was properly maintained, and that the two specimen bottles could not be tampered with without detection. On May 19, 1988, sample bottle 118856 was opened by a laboratory analyst employed by Toxicology Testing Service. A small sample of Respondent's urine sample, referred to as an aliquot, was removed from sample bottle 118856 with a sterile disposable plastic pipette and placed in a sterile disposable cup for analysis. The aliquot of Respondent's urine sample was introduced into the analyzer equipment used by Toxicology Testing Service to screen the sample for the possible presence of controlled substances. The sample screened positive for a cocaine metabolite, which is a metabolized derivative of cocaine created by the natural processing of cocaine by the human body. This screening procedure, known as an emit test, produced a result of 71 on the first screening and a 69 when a separate aliquot from sample 118856 was tested. The emit test is conducted using an Hitachi 705 machine, a piece of equipment that is widely used in the industry. As calibrated, a score of 50 is considered a positive score for cocaine. The purpose of the emit test is to screen those samples that will be later analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry method of testing urine samples. A confirmatory analysis of the sample was then conducted utilizing the gas chromatography mass spectrometry method of testing urine samples. This method is over 99.99% accurate and is the accepted method among toxicologists for identifying drugs and their metabolites. The confirmatory analysis confirmed that Respondent's urine sample was positive for the presence of a cocaine metabolite that can only be produced through the ingestion of cocaine. Subsequent testing on June 3, 1988, by Toxicology Testing Services of aliquots from sample bottle 110783, followed the same procedures as those followed for the analysis of aliquots from sample bottle 118856 and produced similar, positive results for the presence of the cocaine metabolite. Toxicology Testing Service used adequate procedures to ensure that Respondent's urine sample was properly identified, that the chain of custody was properly maintained, and that sample bottle 118856 and sample bottle 110783 had not been tampered with. The testing procedures followed by Toxicology Testing Service are widely accepted in the industry. The equipment used by Toxicology Testing Service was in proper working order. The procedures followed in the taking of Respondent's urine sample and in the subsequent analysis of the aliquots from Respondent's urine sample were consistent with the procedures set forth in Rule 11B-27.00225, Florida Administrative Code, which is entitled "Controlled Substance Testing Procedures". Respondent denies that she has ever used or has unlawfully possessed cocaine. Respondent handles cocaine from time to time in the execution of her official responsibilities, but she was unable to point to an incident that may have produced the positive test results through incidental contact with cocaine. Although samples of the currency in use in South Florida have tested positive for the presence of cocaine, Respondent would not have ingested sufficient quantities of cocaine from currency to produce the level of the cocaine metabolite reflected by the testing. On May 23, 1988, Respondent was advised by her supervisor that she had tested positive for cocaine. Respondent immediately gave another urine sample that tested negative for cocaine. Respondent had attended training sessions that taught that cocaine usually cleared the human body after 72 hours. This is a misconception. The speed with which the cocaine metabolite clears the human system depends on many variable factors, including the general physical condition of the person involved, the amounts of liquids consumed by the person, and the amount of exercise by the person. Cocaine metabolite can be detected in the human body more than 72 hours after its ingestion. Respondent failed to offer any plausible explanation for the positive results of cocaine being detected in her system that would permit any conclusion other than the conclusion that she had voluntarily ingested cocaine. Respondent has been an exemplary employee since her initial employment with the Special Investigative Unit. She has never been suspected of drug use by her superiors. None of her fellow officers ever reported that they suspected Respondent of drug use. Respondent has had several commendations during her term of service. Her performance evaluations have always been satisfactory or higher. Based on the charges involved in the pending proceeding, the Dade County School Board suspended Respondent's employment and instituted proceedings to discharge her from its employ. Following an administrative hearing, the hearing officer (who was not employed by or assigned by the Division of Administrative Hearings) found that the drug tests that found the positive results for cocaine were not reliable and recommended that Respondent be reinstated to her employment. The finding by the previous hearing officer that the tests were not reliable is not binding here and is contrary to the greater weight of the evidence in this case.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is: RECOMMENDED that Petitioner, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards Training Commission, enter a final order which finds that Respondent failed to maintained good moral character and which further revokes the certification of Respondent as a law enforcement officer. DONE AND ENTERED this 29th day of January, 1990, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. CLAUD B. ARRINGTON Hearing Officer The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 904/488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 29th day of January, 1990. COPIES FURNISHED: Joseph S. White, Esquire Assistant General Counsel Florida Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 H. T. Smith, Esquire 1017 N.W. 9th Court Miami, Florida 33136 Jeffrey Long, Director Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards Training Commission Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 James T. Moore, Commissioner Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Rodney Gaddy, General Counsel Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302

Florida Laws (3) 120.57943.13943.1395 Florida Administrative Code (3) 11B-27.001111B-27.0022511B-27.005
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CHRISTOPHER BRIAN EDWARDS vs SAPA PRECISION TUBING ROCKLEDGE, LLC, 14-006042 (2014)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Dec. 19, 2014 Number: 14-006042 Latest Update: Sep. 17, 2015

The Issue Whether Sapa Precision Tubing Rockledge, LLC (Respondent), discriminated against Christopher Brian Edwards (Petitioner) on the basis of age.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is over 40 years of age, and was employed by Respondent from 2009 until May 21, 2013. Prior to his termination, Petitioner received favorable work evaluations and demonstrated good work attendance. Respondent is a manufacturing company that makes aluminum tubing for commercial purposes. Safety in the work environment is critical to Respondent’s success. Part of Respondent’s safety regimen includes maintaining a drug-free workplace. To that end, Respondent retains an outside company, Edge Information Management, Inc. (Edge), to conduct random drug tests of Respondent’s employees. Respondent’s drug-free policy is set forth in its employee handbook that is provided to all employees. Petitioner received a copy of the handbook and knew or should have known of the company’s drug-free policy upon his employment. In order to screen Respondent’s employees, Edge creates a random matrix that assigns all employees a number. The computer program used by Edge then generates a random sampling of employees for the given test date. In this case, approximately one month before the test date, Edge randomly selected employees who were to be tested on May 14, 2013. Petitioner was named among the randomly selected employees. Edge is accredited by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and is fully authorized to conduct drug screenings. Edge employee, Leonard Clarke, was fully trained in the process of collecting samples to assure conformance with all applicable testing standards. Prior to the test date, Petitioner attended a meeting with other employees and voiced concerns to Respondent regarding working conditions by “bringing up stuff that they were not comfortable with.” Although not part of his original claim of discrimination, Petitioner now maintains that his termination was also in retaliation for his comments during that meeting. On May 14, 2013, based upon the employees randomly selected by Edge, Respondent notified supervisors to send the employees to a conference room for drug testing. Clarke prepared the paperwork and waited for the 27 employees to report for the screening. No one at Respondent selected the employees to be screened, conducted the collection of samples, or tested the samples taken. Clarke was solely responsible for the drug testing. All of the employees were required to review the testing form, sign, and date it before returning it to Clarke. Each was given a lollypop stick with a sponge attached to one end. By placing the sponge in the mouth and collecting saliva, the sample can then be tested to issue a preliminary result for drugs. Clarke had a difficult time collecting a saliva sample from Petitioner. Eventually, on the second or third attempt Petitioner produced enough saliva to place the sponge in the vial to allow the test strip to render a result. The test strips are designed to react to substances such as marijuana, cocaine, or amphetamines. In Petitioner’s case, the test strip showed positive for drug metabolites and/or alcohol. After testing positive on the saliva test (the only employee who did), Clarke asked Petitioner to give a urine sample so that a complete drug analysis could be performed by the Edge lab. Petitioner consented to all testing procedures and the collection of samples on May 14, 2013. For the purpose of the urine sample, Petitioner was given a cup and asked to go into the adjacent bathroom to produce the sample. When Petitioner returned the cup to Clarke it was noted that the cold, clear liquid did not register a temperature. Based upon his training, Clarke suspected that Petitioner had not urinated into the cup and discarded the sample. Next, Clarke accompanied Petitioner while a second sample was collected for urinalysis. Clarke marked the sample, packaged it in accordance with all applicable standards, and sent it by FedEx to Edge’s lab. Petitioner’s testing went from “random” to “reasonable suspicion/cause” based upon his saliva test and behavior with Clarke. It appeared to Clarke that Petitioner attempted to evade the drug testing process. Based upon the preliminary test results, Petitioner was suspended from work. Petitioner knew he had tested positive for drugs and that his urine sample would be further evaluated. It is undisputed that Petitioner’s urine tested positive for cocaine. Prior to notifying Respondent of the test results, Edge notified Petitioner that the sample tested positive for cocaine and gave Petitioner an opportunity to contest or explain how the result might be erroneous. Petitioner did not contest the result and has not disputed the presence of drugs in his saliva and urine on May 14, 2013. On May 21, 2013, Edge sent Petitioner’s drug results to Respondent. At that time, Respondent decided to terminate Petitioner’s employment with the company, and Chapman notified Petitioner by telephone that he was terminated because he tested positive for cocaine. Respondent gave Petitioner an opportunity to contest the drug results, but he did not. At hearing, Petitioner did not contest the drug results. Of the persons tested with Petitioner, twenty were younger than he and six were older. Only Petitioner tested positive for drugs. In the last ten years, all employees at Respondent who have tested positive for drugs have been terminated. No one younger or older than Petitioner has been retained if they tested positive for drugs. Petitioner’s age did not impact Respondent’s decision to terminate his employment. None of Petitioner’s comments were considered in the termination of his employment. Petitioner did not raise retaliation with FCHR and has not established that Respondent retaliated against him because of comments he made during a company meeting. In short, Petitioner was terminated because he tested positive for cocaine. There was no competent, substantial evidence that persons younger than Petitioner were treated differently from Petitioner or were subject to dissimilar policies or practices. All of Respondent’s employees who tested positive for drugs have been terminated.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Florida Commission on Human Relations enter a final order dismissing Petitioner’s claim of discrimination. DONE AND ENTERED this 8th day of July, 2015, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S J. D. PARRISH Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 8th day of July, 2015. COPIES FURNISHED: Christopher Brian Edwards 4605 Ocean Beach Boulevard Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931 Mary Susan Sacco, Esquire Ford and Harrison, LLP Suite 1300 300 South Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 (eServed) Tammy Scott Barton, Agency Clerk Florida Commission on Human Relations 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Cheyanne Costilla, General Counsel Florida Commission on Human Relations 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110 Tallahassee, Florida 32399

Florida Laws (4) 120.57120.68760.10760.11
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R. N. EXPERTISE, INC. vs MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, 01-002663BID (2001)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Jul. 05, 2001 Number: 01-002663BID Latest Update: Jun. 14, 2002

The Issue The issues in this bid protest are whether, in making a preliminary decision to award a contract for drug screening services, Respondent acted contrary to a governing statute, rule, policy, or project specification; and, if so, whether such misstep(s) was/were clearly erroneous, arbitrary or capricious, or contrary to competition.

Findings Of Fact The evidence presented at final hearing established the facts that follow. The Request for Proposals On March 14, 2001, the Board authorized the issuance of a request for proposals to solicit offers on a contract for drug screening services. Soon, Request for Proposals No. 149-AA10 (the “RFP”) was issued. The purpose of the RFP, as stated on the first page thereof, was [t]o obtain the services of an organization to conduct applicant and employee specimen collection and drug screening services both to meet the general requirements for collection and drug screening services; and the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) requirements for collection and drug screening services. These professional services are described in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Drug-Free Workplace Technical Guide (Attachment A). The deadline for submission of proposals in response to the RFP was April 10, 2001. Page 3 of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Drug-Free Workplace Technical Guide (the “Guide”) explained that applicants and employees are tested in the following circumstances: (1) upon application for full-time employment; (2) when "reasonable suspicion"1 exists to believe that an employee has impermissibly used drugs or alcohol; (3) as part of routine "fitness for duty" medical examinations2; and (4) as a "follow up" to an employee's completion of a drug rehabilitation program. Because the District employs persons performing safety- sensitive functions and persons who hold commercial driver licenses, the District must comply with a federal law known as the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (“OTETA”). Employees covered by OTETA are subject to pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, "return-to-duty" testing (after a positive test), follow-up testing, and annual testing. Guide, pp. 10-14. Unlike other employees, persons falling under OTETA are not subject to blood alcohol screening. Guide, p. 22. The type of drug test that the District most frequently requests involves urinalysis. For alcohol testing, breath analysis is the normal practice. Blood alcohol testing is used infrequently. The RFP did not explicitly disclose the District’s relative demand for these various types of tests. Section V of the RFP prescribed the technical requirements with which proposers needed to comply. Subsection C thereof stated, in pertinent part: The collection site is a place where individuals present themselves for the purpose of providing urine or blood specimens to be analyzed for the presence of drugs or alcohol. Page 15 of the Guide added that "[c]ollection sites shall have all of the necessary personnel, materials, equipment, facilities, and supervision to provide for the collection, security, temporary storage, and shipping or transportation of urine specimens to a certified drug testing laboratory." Section V, subsection K set forth four “location parameters [as] examples of locations which shall comprise the areas for collection and drug screening to insure [sic] convenience for applicants and employees.” These “location parameters” essentially divided the Miami-Dade County service area into quadrants. Section V, subsection L, provided in relevant part: “Mobile collection of specimens will be required at some of the Regional Transportation Centers[.]” The Guide, at page 15, further mandated that "[m]obile collection sites" be equipped and staffed "the same as" other collection sites. Section V, subsection M stated, in part: “A collection site is preferred in the area of 1500 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33132, for the convenience of any potential employees who wish to provide specimen collection concurrent with a scheduled interview by the Office of Human Resources.” Section V, subsection N, stated: At least one site in the North end and [sic] of Miami-Dade County and one site in the South end of Miami-Dade County must be available to perform reasonable suspicion testing of employees. The hours of operation of these facilities must be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. Section VI of the RFP, which addressed the cost of proposed services, instructed that [p]roposals must include an itemization of charges for collection of specimens, initial and confirmatory tests. Such itemized charges will be used in the event a retest is necessary. Retests required as a result of defective equipment, incorrect analysis, or misinterpretation shall be done at the expense of the provider. Section VIII provided that proposals would be “evaluated by [a] selection committee . . . comprised of representatives of the school district, in order to ascertain which proposal best meets the needs of the School Board.” The selection committee (hereafter, “committee”) was to be composed of one administrator each from five separate offices, which were designated in section VIII. Section VIII also established the evaluation criteria to be used by the committee, stating: Evaluation considerations will include, but not be limited to, the following: Responsiveness of the proposal clearly stating an understanding of the work to be performed meeting all the technical guidelines in [the Guide]. Cost may not be the dominant factor, but will have some significance. It will be a particularly important factor when all other evaluation criteria are relatively equal. Documentation of current certification by DHHS; qualifications of laboratory staff members; past experience and record of performance; verification of references. Location of the laboratory and planned method of pick-up from designated collection sites and transportation of specimens according to chain of custody protocol to the drug testing laboratory; turnaround time relative to volume of expected need; accessibility relative to volume of expected need. Primary emphasis in the selection process will be placed on the independence, background, experience, and service of staff to be assigned to the project. Expertise in the areas addressed in the RFP, and the ability to respond in a timely, accurate manner to the district’s requirements is essential. Vendor must have a specific comprehensive plan in place to delineate OTETA collection/testing from general collection/testing. The School District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted and to waive irregularities. . . . . Relevant Details About the Proposals Two proposers, Global and RN, submitted timely responses to the RFP. The following is a look at certain terms in their respective proposals. Global’s Proposal Global was the incumbent provider pursuant to a contract that had been entered into on June 11, 1997. Even before the establishment of the expiring contractual relationship, from 1995 forward, Global had provided general drug testing services for the District. In addition to that, Global had performed fingerprint analyses for the District prior to 1995. Thus, Global had a history with the District. In a Fee Schedule included at page VIII-1 of its proposal, Global quoted the following prices for services: Federal Drug Testing for OTETA covered employees $30.00 * * * Breath Alcohol Testing $25.00 After hour Services Flat fee per donor/employee . $75.00 plus regular testing fee Monday — Friday: 5:00 p.m. — 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday All Day Florida Drug Free Work Place for general employee drug testing $25.00 * * * At page V-1 of its proposal, Global listed ten collection facilities, providing their addresses and hours of operation. According to the proposal, only one of these facilities stays open until midnight. Five of them close each weekday at 4:00 p.m., and four at 5:00 p.m. None is open on weekends. Global offered collection sites in each of the quadrants specified in subsection V.K. of the RFP. It offered a site in the area of 1500 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida, as recommended in subsection V.M. And Global offered at least one site each in the north and south ends of Miami-Dade County, satisfying the geographic requirements of subsection V.N. Global’s south-end site, however, closes at 5:00 p.m. and thus fails to satisfy the requirement, also prescribed in subsection V.N., that such facility remain open until midnight. In addition to these stationary facilities, Global offered the services of a mobile unit. Its proposal stated: ON-SITE COLLECTION After Hours Emergency24 hours Operating hours: Monday — Sunday Via Mobile Unit Global described its mobile unit, at page V-2, as a “self contained air conditioned motor coach equipped with 2 bathrooms, blood drawing chair, urine collection equipment, computerized breach alcohol analyzer with ample facilities for a physician to conduct physical exams on DOT (OTETA) employees and yearly re- certification.” Global, in fact, has three of these mobile units. The vans are available for use by all of Global’s clients. Two vehicles are maintained in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida, and thus are in position to respond to service calls for the District. The third van is maintained in western Palm Beach County. Because after-hours tests generally are needed in post-accident and reasonable suspicion circumstances, which require a rapid response (within two hours of the incident), the Palm Beach County-based van would not, as a practical matter, likely be deployed for the District. Global does not maintain a mobile unit in Miami-Dade County. B. RN’s Proposal Included in RN’s proposal was the following schedule of costs: RN Expertise charges $27.80 for a 5 panel NIDA drug screen. This charge includes an adulterant panel, 5 panel drug screen, collection of the specimen, transportation charges and MRO charges. There will not be a charge for confirmation tests. RN Expertise charges $26.00 for an 8 panel drug screen. This charge will include an adulterant panel, 8 panel drug screen, collection of the specimen, transportation charges and MRO charges. If the School Board does not elect to have an adulterant panel performed on general tests the charge will be $25.00. RN Expertise charges $25.00 for a breath alcohol test. This also includes on- site testing charges. There will not be a charge for confirmation tests. RN Expertise will charge $30.00 for a blood alcohol test. RN Expertise will submit monthly invoices. These invoices will be submitted to the Office of Operation and Records and/or the Office of Professional Standards (OTETA) through a purchase order. The invoices shall reflect service provided to the Board in the prior month. Regarding collection sites and locations, RN’s proposal stated, at pages 12 through 13: Quest Diagnostics [the laboratory that RN proposed to use] has 14 collection sites in the Miami-Dade County area. Please see Appendix B for all maps of locations and zip code map with all locations that have been highlighted for your convenience. RN Expertise, Inc. will provide all on- site drug screen collections and breath alcohol tests. We have numerous certified collectors and breath alcohol technicians throughout the state who specialize in on site testing. All collectors and BATS have been certified by Christine Steele. Please see Appendix C. for certificates of RN Expertise, Inc. and insurance and licenses. Three Quest patient care centers are located very close to the area of 1500 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida, 33232. The hours of operation are 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. RN Expertise has arranged three third party sites in the North end of Miami-Dade county and one site in the south end of Miami-Dade County that are available to perform reasonable suspicion and post- accident testing. The hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight. These addresses are: Workers Compensation Medical Center 17601 N.W. 2nd Avenue Ste S Miami, Florida 33169 Workers Compensation Medical Center 6504 N.W. 77th Court Miami, Florida 33166 Homestead Hospital 160 NW 13th Street Homestead, FL 33030 If these sites are not convenient we can arrange additional sites or provide these tests on an on-site basis. RN offered collection sites in each of the quadrants specified in subsection V.K. of the RFP. It offered sites in the area of 1500 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida, as recommended in subsection V.M. And RN offered at least two sites in the north end of Miami-Dade County and one in the south, all three of which were open from 8:00 a.m. until midnight, thereby satisfying both the geographic and hours of operation requirements of subsection V.N. The Evaluation Committee(s), Mr. Bevan’s Comparison Chart, and the Evaluations A. The Original Committee To evaluate the proposals, a five-person committee was appointed in accordance with the RFP. Its members were Nelson E. Diaz, Deputy Superintendent, Personnel Management and Services; Gwendolyn Jennings Kidney, Assistant Superintendent, Employee Support Programs; Jose Montes de Oca, Assistant Chief Auditor, Management and Compliance Audits; Michael Fox, Risk Analyst, Risk and Benefits Management; and Patricia Freeman, Director, Business Development and Assistance. This committee arranged to meet for the first time on April 11, 2001. Notice of the meeting was not published in advance; the committee would convene in private. The following staff persons were asked to be present at the April 11 meeting to provide technical expertise, if needed: Vera Hirsh, Administrative Director, Personnel; William Bevan, Executive Director, Personnel Operations and Records; Frederic F. Conde, Executive Director, Office of Professional Standards; and Barbara Jones, Director, Procurement. B. Mr. Bevan’s Comparison Chart Before the April 11, 2001, meeting, Ms. Hirsh asked Mr. Bevan, as a technical advisor to the committee, to prepare a comparison of the two proposals. At the time, Mr. Bevan was most knowledgeable about the District’s procedures for drug testing, because he had been directly involved in the general drug testing program. Also, through his work experiences, Mr. Bevan had acquired personal knowledge concerning Global. Indeed, Global had listed Mr. Bevan as a reference in its proposal. Mr. Bevan prepared a comparison chart that was distributed to all the members of the committee. The following table contains the substance of Mr. Bevan's comparison chart:3 Item No. GLOBAL RN EXPERTISE 1 TURNAROUND TIME IS NEXT BUSINESS DAY 5 DAYS ON POSITIVE 24 HOURS FOR NEGATIVES 48 HOURS FOR POSITIVES 2 LOCATION IS FORT LAUDERDALE ALTAMONTE SPRINGS 3 PLAN TO DELINEATE OTETA FROM GENERAL GOOD PLAN PLUS ICON BASED DRUG TEST FORM VERY WEAK PLAN VERY WEAK ANALYSIS 4 COST $30.00 DOT BLIND SAMPLES ARE INCLUDED COST $27.80 NO MENTION OF BLIND SAMPLES 5 POLICE $25.00 ALL ALCOHOL TESTS BOTH BREATH & BLOOD ARE $25.00 $26.00 8 PANEL TEST BREATH ALCOHOL $25.00 BLOOD ALCOHOL $30.00 6 COLLECTION SITES 10 TOTAL SITES 14 TOTAL SITES LESS 4 IN BROWARD, 6 FOR BLOOD DRAW ONLY = 4 NET SITES 7 MOBILE COLLECTION DONE BY MOBILE VAN "WILL PROVIDE ON-SITE COLLECTION" 8 EXPERIENCE 4 YEARS WITH M-DCPS NO SUCCESSFUL LEGITATION [sic] AGAINST M-DCPS US SUGAR ? 9 LABORATORY LAB CORP OF AMERICA LATE IN REPORTING RESULTS ONE TIME IN FOUR YEARS QUEST LABORATORIES QUESTIONABLE 10 ADULTERANT TESTING IS PERFORMED BY LAB CORP AT A STANDARD COURSE OF PROTOCOL WITH NO CHARGE FOR THIS PROCEDURE TESTSURE IS BROKEN OUT AS A SEPARATE ENTITY Because of his personal knowledge of and experience with the drug screening program, Mr. Bevan's opinions carried great weight with the committee members. As will become clear, moreover, Mr. Bevan operated as a de facto evaluator. Thus, for good reasons, his comparison chart drew RN’s close and critical attention. It will be examined in detail below. Item No. 1. This item is helpful as a contrast to the others, for here Mr. Bevan did exactly what a technical advisor should do: provide a concise, accurate, and objective summary of details contained in the proposals without making a subjective judgment as to which proposal is superior. Item No. 2. As Mr. Bevan admitted at hearing, the RFP did not include, as an evaluation criterion, the location of a proposer's base of operations. Testifying, he explained that, "in [his] mind, [a proposer's location] was not something that was in the RFP, but it was important to me." Hearing Transcript (“T.”) 59. Of course, it was not Mr. Bevan's place to make subjective judgments about what was valuable in the proposals—— that was for the evaluators. Further, even the evaluators could not properly take into account undisclosed evaluation criteria. Thus, this comparison was irrelevant and consideration thereof was contrary to the RFP and contrary to competition. Item No. 3. This comparison pertained to the evaluation criterion specified in section VIII, subsection F, which provided: Vendor must have a specific comprehensive plan in place to delineate OTETA collection/testing from general collecting/testing. Mr. Bevan dubbed RN's proposal "very weak" and Global's "good" primarily because Global's prototype OTETA form had a transparent drawing of a school bus superimposed over the writing, and its sample form for use by school police officers had a simple, freehand outline of an officer drawn on its face, whereas RN's forms did not have such "icons." Mr. Bevan believed that the pictures of the school bus and police officer would prevent the less intelligent applicants and employees from using the wrong form.4 Although reasonable people might disagree with Mr. Bevan's analysis of the respective merits of the proposals on this criterion, his conclusion was neither arbitrary nor capricious. The problem, however, is that Mr. Bevan was not a member of the committee, and his qualitative judgment went well beyond an even-handed explanation of a technical term or process, or an objective summary of the proposals' details. In other words, as this item clearly shows, Mr. Bevan assumed the role of evaluator. Item No. 4. Mr. Bevan's comparison of "blind sample testing" is interesting because the purpose of focusing on this discrete point, among all others relating to the proposers' price quotes for OTETA testing, seems to have been to blunt the advantage that RN otherwise would enjoy for having offered the lower price. (The comparison effectively says, RN's OTETA test is cheaper, yes, but Global adds value by performing blind samples, whereas RN may not provide this service.) Mr. Bevan could have written, however, with equal accuracy, that RN's price for OTETA testing "includes an adulterant panel" while Global's proposal makes "no mention of adulterant panels," which would have made RN's price quote appear even more attractive as against Global's. RN, however, did not complain about this aspect of Mr. Bevan's analysis; consequently, the undersigned has paid little attention to, and based no ultimate factual determinations or legal conclusions on, this item. Item No. 5. According to the Guide, at page 21, school police officers are required to be tested for eight drugs or classes of drugs. This is called an "8 panel" test or screen. Other employees, in contrast, need only be tested for five drugs or drug classes, using a "5 panel" screen. In his comparison, Mr. Bevan balanced Global's supposed price of $25.00 for police tests against RN's quote of $26.00 for an 8 panel drug screen. Yet, in its Fee Schedule, Global did not specify a separate charge for police tests, 8 panel tests, or 5 panel tests.5 Rather, Global quoted a price of $25.00 for "general employee drug testing." Based on his previous experience with Global, however, Mr. Bevan assumed that Global's charge for police tests would be $25.00, the same as the cost of testing other non-OTETA employees. Mr. Bevan's assumption was dubious at best, even assuming that Global previously had been charging $25.00 for police tests.6 At worst, if Global's historical pricing were ignored (as it should have been, being a fact extrinsic to Global's proposal), Mr. Bevan's assumption was bereft of factual or logical support; it was simply arbitrary. At a minimum, though, Mr. Bevan should have stated, on the comparison chart he provided to the committee, that he was making an assumption in Global’s favor. Without such a qualification, the chart——which purported to compare "apples to apples"——unfairly depicted RN's as unequivocally the costlier proposal on this item, for RN was shown truthfully to have quoted $26.00 for an 8 panel test. Moreover, significantly, Mr. Bevan omitted the fact that RN also had offered a price of $25.00 for an 8 panel screen without an adulterant panel. Thus, not only had Mr. Bevan potentially compared "apples to oranges," he had compounded the problem by making RN's quote for police testing appear higher than it necessarily would need to be. Making the matter worse still, Mr. Bevan represented that Global's price for blood alcohol testing was $25.00 versus $30.00 for the same procedure with RN. Global, however, had not offered to perform blood alcohol tests for $25.00 apiece; it had not quoted any price for such testing. Mr. Bevan assumed that Global's price would be $25.00 based on his past experience with the company. The validity of Mr. Bevan's assumption, again, is questionable;7 at the very least, his assumption should have been disclosed to the committee on the comparison chart. As drafted, without disclosure of Mr. Bevan's Global-friendly assumption, the comparison chart was grossly inequitable to RN, creating the possibly false impression that RN's price for blood alcohol testing was 20% higher than Global's. Finally, in comparing the cost proposals, Mr. Bevan failed to note that Global had quoted a hefty $75.00 surcharge for all "after hour services," meaning tests performed on weekdays between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., and anytime on Saturday or Sunday. RN, in contrast, did not similarly propose a 400% price increase for after-hours work, and thus would have been favored by the comparison Mr. Bevan chose not to make. Item No. 6. The issue of collection sites would become crucial. Mr. Bevan's ultimate opinion——that RN had proposed "4 net sites" as against the "10 total sites" offered by Global——was highly subjective and clearly erroneous. To begin, RN's proposal in fact described a total of 17 collection sites——not 14 as Mr. Bevan incorrectly represented. At pages 12 and 13 of its proposal, RN responded sequentially to RFP section V, subsections K (collection sites desired in four quadrants of Miami-Dade County), L (mobile collection required at some Regional Transportation Centers), M (preference for a site near 1500 Biscayne Boulevard), and N (requiring at least one site each in the north and south ends of Miami-Dade County). In response to subsection K, RN proposed to use 14 Quest patient care centers, the locations of which were further described in maps attached to RN's proposal as Appendix B. Three of the 14 Quest centers were represented to meet the preference expressed in subsection M. And RN offered three additional "third party sites" (plainly meaning, in context, sites that were not operated by Quest) to satisfy subsection N. There was and is nothing confusing about RN's response regarding collection sites. No reasonable, fair-minded person, upon reading pages 12 and 13 of RN's proposal, could reasonably conclude that RN was offering a total of only 14 collection sites. Next, four of the Quest sites proposed by RN are located in Broward County. Mr. Bevan decided that these Broward sites should be ignored. The RFP, however, did not prohibit a proposer from offering sites outside Miami-Dade County, and, significantly, RN's proposal satisfied the RFP's technical requirements concerning collection site locations without the Broward sites. Thus, an evaluator (as opposed to Mr. Bevan, who was not one) might have regarded RN's Broward sites either an added value that made RN's proposal more attractive or an unwanted option that neither added to, nor detracted from, RN's proposal. Either way, however, this qualitative decision was not properly Mr. Bevan's to make as a “technical advisor.” Mr. Bevan then subtracted six sites from RN's total because the proposal stated that the sites were available for blood draws only. (In fact, RN's proposal indicated that nine of RN's 17 total sites collected blood samples only; three of the nine are in Broward County and six in Miami-Dade.) Mr. Bevan's decision that "blood only" sites should not be counted was plainly contrary to the RFP, under which blood alcohol testing clearly was a required service. While the evidence showed that the District considers urine collection sites to be much more valuable than “blood only” collection sites, which it views as practically worthless, the RFP nevertheless did not disclose this preference or the relative weight of urine sites versus “blood only” sites. Simply put, the RFP did not allow the evaluators to ignore “blood only” collection sites. At bottom, a fair and balanced comparison (unlike Mr. Bevan's) would have shown that RN had proposed 17 total sites (four in Broward, 13 in Miami-Dade), of which nine (three in Broward, six in Miami-Dade) were "blood only" sites, leaving eight sites (one in Broward, seven in Miami-Dade) that were available for the collection of both urine and blood. An "apples to apples" comparison of Miami-Dade sites available for blood and urine testing would have been Global, ten versus RN, seven. Each evaluator, however, in weighing the relative merits of the two proposals, should have considered RN's ten additional sites——there was no warrant in the RFP for excluding them from the mix à la Mr. Bevan's analysis——and made an independent determination of the value added by those sites. Item No. 7. On this point, Mr. Bevan was unfair to RN——but only a bit. His comparison intentionally drew a distinction between Global's "mobile collection" (the term used in section V.L. of the RFP) and RN's "on-site collection," subtly implying that RN’s proposal might not be responsive, or as responsive as Global’s, to the RFP’s technical guidelines. In fact, however, in its proposal at pages II-2, V-1, V-2, and VIII-1, Global expressly had described the function of its mobile unit as being to provide "on-site" collections; even Global, in other words, considered mobile collection and on-site collection to be fungible concepts. Mr. Bevan's comparison chart thus somewhat unfairly gave Global a gentle semantic boost while concomitantly giving RN a little linguistic gig.8 Standing alone, this comparison would not be noteworthy. Viewed in the light of other, unfair contrasts, however, Mr. Bevan's mobile collection/on-site collection dichotomy takes on a slight hue of partiality.9 Item No. 8. Here, Mr. Bevan made a comparison that was highly unfavorable to RN. One the one side, he portrayed Global attractively as the incumbent vendor that, during a four- year tenure, has not exposed the District to an adverse litigation outcome, and which also provides services to U.S. Sugar (an agricultural concern in South Florida). On RN's side there was only a question mark——nothing more. The meaning was obvious: Global has good credentials, but RN's experience and litigation track record are questionable. This was terribly unfair. RN's proposal included two pages of references listing a number of current clients. Mr. Bevan's explanation at hearing for failing to acknowledge any of RN's references on his comparison chart was that RN's references "were much longer" and would not fit on the page, and that he had "put down what [he] could in the amount of time [he] had." 89. This explanation utterly fails to account for Mr. Bevan's misleading and prejudicial use of a question mark to describe RN's documented experience; it is not credible and is rejected.10 Regarding exposure to lawsuits, Mr. Bevan's comparison was gratuitous. The RFP did not ask for information concerning lawsuits; and the lack of adverse litigation outcomes, while perhaps interesting and even relevant, was not an evaluation criterion. Further, Mr. Bevan was aware of Global's litigation track record not because of information contained in Global's proposal (for such data was not included therein) but because he previously had monitored litigation against the District arising from OTETA testing. Despite relying on facts extrinsic to Global's proposal for this comparison, Mr. Bevan made no attempt to determine whether RN had exposed a client to an adverse litigation outcome and hence had no idea whether RN had or had not done so. Yet, despite the absence of any basis in logic or fact for such a conclusion, the question mark in RN's column (adjacent to the favorable comment about Global) strongly implied that RN either had omitted material information about litigation or disclosed something disturbing or questionable. The unavoidable net effect of this prejudicial and unfair comparison was to put an exclamation point on the fact that Global had served satisfactorily as the incumbent vendor (and thus was a safe choice)——while portraying RN as a pig in a poke (and hence a gamble). Item No. 9. Mr. Bevan shone a flattering light on Laboratory Corporation of America ("LCA," the laboratory used by Global)——only one glitch in four years!——while labeling Quest Diagnostics ("Quest," used by RN) "questionable." This was problematic for several reasons. First, the RFP did not specify a preference for any particular laboratory. Second, Mr. Bevan's judgment was not based on the respective proposals but on his personal experiences. He had been pleased with LCA's services and preferred that the District continue to do business with that laboratory. But, as the comparison chart pointedly neglected to mention, Mr. Bevan's negative opinion of Quest was based on just one incident in which Quest had been slow in reporting the results of a retest that had been requested by an individual who had initially tested positive at LCA and requested that Quest perform the confirmatory test.11 Third, the judgment expressed on the relative merits of the proposers' laboratories was plainly qualitative; in other words, Mr. Bevan was evaluating the proposals, which was not properly his role, for he was not a de jure member of the committee. Item No. 10. Mr. Bevan's representation to the committee that LCA performed adulterant testing at no cost to the District was not based on Global's proposal, which neither mentioned adulterant testing nor quoted a price for such service, but on his experience with Global. (Incidentally, neither Mr. Bevan's testimony, nor any other evidence, persuasively established that Global or LCA had, in fact, been performing adulterant testing. Rather, the District’s employees assumed that such was the case——as it may, or may not, have been.) Aside from the impropriety of relying on facts extrinsic to Global's proposal, Mr. Bevan's contrast with RN's proposal ("TestSure is broken out as a separate entity") was both incorrect and incomplete, producing a false, "apples to oranges" comparison. First, as four pages of descriptive information included in RN's proposal made clear, TestSure is Quest's trademark for its adulterant testing protocol, which Quest considers a "breakthrough in technology for the industry." Contrary to Mr. Bevan's statement, TestSure is not a "separate entity." Thus, the apparently-intended implication that RN's price was higher because it was proposing to use a “separate entity” (in addition to Quest) for adulterant testing was untrue. Second, the information provided by RN concerning TestSure, rather than being a negative strike against RN's proposal, as Mr. Bevan's comparison suggested, was (or should have been) helpful in evaluating RN's proposal, a plus. While the committee certainly could have chosen to discount or ignore Quest's glowing review of its own product as puffery, the fact was that while Global's proposal said nothing about adulterant testing, RN had submitted some information on the subject. Finally, Mr. Bevan did not specify that his remark about Global's supposed offer to provide adulterant testing at "no charge" was merely an assumption that, for all that appears in Global's proposal, may or may not be true. This omission was especially unfair to RN because RN had stated explicitly in its cost proposal that an additional dollar would be charged for an adulterant panel——and that the District could save the dollar by electing not to have the panel performed on general tests. An impartial summary would have acknowledged RN's prices for general tests, both with and without an adulterant panel, and noted that Global's proposal was silent as to whether its quote of $25.00 for general testing included an adulterant panel. To state unqualifiedly that Global would provide adulterant testing for free, when its proposal said nothing of the sort, was patently inequitable. The First Evaluation and Recommendation After meeting for two hours on April 11, and having considered Mr. Bevan’s comparison chart, the committee voted to recommend that the contract be awarded to Global. In the minutes of the meeting, it was reported that [b]oth Proposals were evaluated according to the criteria outlined in the proposal. A comparison was made of services provided, locations for testing, cost, and other requirements. The committee recommended that Global MRO be awarded the contract. In addition to providing a reasonable fee schedule, the locations for drug testing, and the prior outstanding service provided by Global MRO, supports the committee’s decision. RN timely protested the intended award, the Board referred the matter to DOAH, and a final hearing was scheduled for July 30, 2001. Before the final hearing, however, the Board determined that the April 11, 2001, meeting might have occurred in violation of the Sunshine Law. Accordingly, the final hearing was postponed to enable the committee to reconvene in a public meeting for the purpose of reevaluating the proposals in compliance with the Sunshine Law. The Second Evaluation and Recommendation The committee met for a second time on September 4, 2001, pursuant to a prior written notice of proceedings. The September 4 meeting was open to the public. Although each of the original members of the committee was asked to return, two of them——Mr. Diaz and Ms. Freeman——were unable to attend the second meeting. In their places appeared subordinates as “representatives,” Pat Parham for Mr. Diaz and Enrique Sacasa for Ms. Freeman. Four members of this committee had no direct involvement in or experience with the drug screening services that were the subject of the contract for which proposals had been solicited. Of the five, only Ms. Kidney was knowledgeable about the program areas and service requirements for which contractual services were being sought. Once again, staff persons were present, ostensibly to answer technical questions. Mr. Bevan and Mr. Conde returned. With them this time were Barbara M. Moss, District Director, Office of Professional Standards; Brenda Miles, Executive Director, Professional and Technical Staffing; and Linda Cantin, Supervisor, Division of Procurement Management. Mr. Bevan did not distribute his comparison chart at the committee’s public meeting and made only a couple of comments there in response to questions. After conferring, the committee found both proposals to be responsive and voted unanimously to recommend that Global be awarded the contract. In the minutes of the September 4, 2001, meeting, it was reported that [t]he committee agreed that both proposals were good, and clearly stated an understanding of the work to be performed. There were concerns expressed, however, regarding [RN’s proposal] in reference to the location and convenience of collection sites. . . . . [Global] was selected because of the larger number of collection sites for urine that are available and the locations of these sites throughout various parts of the county, which would be of convenience to applicants and employees, and its experience. RN’s Protest By letter to the Board’s counsel dated September 6, 2001, RN amended its pending protest of the first recommendation to challenge the second proposed award with a newly-revised statement of grounds.12 As bases for relief, RN asserted that Global’s proposal was materially non-responsive for failure to comply with several of the RFP’s technical requirements; it also alleged that the committee’s evaluation had been flawed in several respects. Ultimate Factual Determinations Certain Ultimate findings of fact have been rendered below under the heading “Conclusions of Law.” This has been done for organizational convenience and for clarity of analysis. Accordingly, the findings announced in paragraphs 114, 120, 130, 134, 156, 159, 161-64, 167, and 169, infra, are hereby incorporated as Findings of Fact, as if fully set forth in the instant section of this Recommended Order.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Board enter a Final Order rescinding the proposed award to Global. DONE AND ENTERED this 4th day of February, 2002, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JOHN G. VAN LANINGHAM Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 4th day of February, 2002.

Florida Laws (6) 120.569120.57287.001287.012287.017287.057
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DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND TRAINING COMMISSION vs ANTHONY E. RICE, 89-004537 (1989)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Aug. 22, 1989 Number: 89-004537 Latest Update: Sep. 07, 1990

The Issue The issue for determination at the formal hearing was whether Respondent failed to maintain good moral character by unlawfully and knowingly possessing cocaine and introducing cocaine into his body in violation of Subsections 943.13(7) and 943.1395(5), (6), Florida Statutes. 1/

Findings Of Fact Respondent was certified by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (the "Commission") on April 4, 1982. Respondent was employed as a police officer by the Metro- Dade Police Department for approximately seven and a half years as of September 15, 1988. 2/ During 1988, Respondent was assigned to the Miami International Airport. Metro-Dade police officers were subject to annual physical examinations as part of the terms of their employment. The examinations were routinely scheduled on an alphabetical rotation system. Respondent was notified by his employer approximately three weeks prior to the date of his annual physical for 1988. Respondent reported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, Industrial Medicine, for his annual physical on March 2, 1988. In the course of his physical, Respondent was given a sterile specimen cup by Nurse Linda Arama for collection of a urine sample. Respondent provided the urine sample as directed. Respondent's urine sample was processed in a routine manner and tested at about 10 p.m. on March 2, 1988. At the time it was given, Respondent's urine sample was poured into two smaller cups and capped (the "two smaller sample cups"). Each cap was sealed with special security evidence tape designed to disclose any evidence of tampering. Respondent's urine sample was assigned a unique identification number (116958). Respondent's name, date of birth, social security number and identification number were placed on each of the two smaller sample cups and entered on a chain of custody transmittal form. The two smaller sample cups were then stored in a locked metal specimen box. The specimen box was picked up by courier and transferred to Toxicology Testing Service on the afternoon of March 2, 1988. Israel Sanchez, a forensic toxicologist technician employed at Toxicology Testing Service, inspected the two smaller sample cups at about 10 p.m. on March 2, 1988. Mr. Sanchez assigned an additional number (30658) to the two smaller sample cups and noted that the sealed special security evidence tape was in tact. Mr. Sanchez opened one of the two smaller sample cups and dispensed a small portion of Respondent's urine for drug testing. Mr. Sanchez used a Hitashi 705 screening instrument to conduct the drug test. Respondent's urine tested positive for cocaine in two separate tests conducted by Mr. Sanchez. Urine samples that screen positive using the Hitashi 705 screening instrument are also tested by the gas chromatography mass spectrometry method (the "chromatorgraphy test") as a routine procedure at Toxicology Testing Service. John de Kanel, an expert in forensic toxicology, performed the analysis of Respondent's urine sample using the chromatography test. The chromatography test revealed that Respondent's urine sample contained cocaine metabolite ecgonine methyl ester, which is also known as methyl ecgonine. This metabolite is a unique by-product of the processing of cocaine by the human body. Respondent's urine sample contained approximately 225 nanograms per milliliter of cocaine and its metabolites. The results of the chromatography test were consistent with cocaine use. Respondent was notified on March 11, 1988, that he had tested positive for cocaine during his annual physical. The same day, Respondent submitted two urine samples for drug testing on his own initiative. One sample was given to Toxicology Testing Service. The other sample was given to North Shore Hospital where Respondent was referred by Dr. Benton Perry, Respondent's personal physician. Respondent tested negative for both urine samples given on March 11, 1988. It is not likely that an habitual user would have no positive nanogram readings nine days after the habitual use had stopped. Nanogram readings of a sustained user would be approximately 80,000 to 100,000 if use was continued up to the time of testing. Patients undergoing drug rehabilitation typically have positive test results in the low 1000 ng/ml. The quantity of a substance found in a urine sample is estimated by comparing the numerical value found in the sample with the numerical value of a drug screening from a control sample. Control samples are run at 100 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). A numerical value of 225 ng/ml indicates cocaine was ingested in some way but neither indicates the method of ingestion nor whether cocaine was knowingly ingested. The ingestion of milligram quantities of cocaine approximately 14 hours before a urine sample was given could produce a numerical value of 225 ng/ml. The Commission requires the employing agency to use an immunoassay screen that is capable of a minimum of 300 ng/ml of cocaine or cocaine metabolites. Screening tests are sold commercially with a minimum screening level of 300 ng/ml. The Metro Dade County maximum acceptable level for cocaine or cocaine metabolites is 50 ng/ml. Respondent has never knowingly used drugs or alcohol, and does not smoke cigarettes. Respondent never tested positive for drug use in any of his previous physical examinations during his seven and a half years as a police officer for the Miami Dade Police Department. Respondent never tested positive for drug use as a result of eight random drug tests administered to him after testing positive on March 2, 1988. 3/ Respondent did not drink excessive amounts of water or indulge in excessive exercise either before or after his test on March 2, 1988. The totality of the evidence refuted any inference that Respondent knowingly or unlawfully ingested cocaine prior to his annual physical on March 2, 1988. Respondent's testimony was credible and persuasive. Respondent's actions and conduct before and after his test on March 2, 1988, were not consistent with the actions and conduct of one who knowingly and unlawfully used cocaine.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is: RECOMMENDED that the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission issue a Final Order finding the Respondent not guilty of the charges in the Administrative Complaint. DONE AND ORDERED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 7th day of September, 1990. DANIEL MANRY Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division Of Administrative Hearings this 7th day of September, 1990.

Florida Laws (3) 120.57943.13943.1395 Florida Administrative Code (2) 11B-27.001111B-27.00225
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DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND TRAINING COMMISSION vs RICHARD D. BEACH, 99-002824 (1999)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Daytona Beach, Florida Jun. 24, 1999 Number: 99-002824 Latest Update: May 23, 2001

The Issue The issue in this proceeding is whether Respondent's corrections officer license is subject to suspension, revocation or other discipline.

Findings Of Fact On August 29, 1996, Petitioner filed an Administrative Complaint against Respondent alleging that Respondent's corrections officer license should be disciplined for alleged violations of Chapter 943, Florida Statutes. Specifically, the Administrative Complaint alleged that Respondent failed to maintain good moral character by testing positive for a controlled substance, marijuana, which was indicative of the illegal ingestion of a controlled substance listed in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes. On September 5, 1996, Respondent filed an Election of Rights in which he disputed the allegations of the Administrative Complaint and requested an administrative hearing. Thereafter, the case was forwarded to the Division of Administrative Hearings for formal proceedings on June 23, 1999. The Respondent was employed as a correctional officer at Volusia Correctional Institution (VCI) in early 1991. A corrections officer is a special risk employee in a safety sensitive position. At the time of licensure Respondent passed his drug screen. In 1996, the month of February had 29 days. In February 1996, Warden Bruce Scherer received allegations of possible drug abuse by Respondent from Connie Beach, Respondent's (then) wife. Respondent's wife was also a corrections officer. Ms. Beach had been in the Warden's office asking for a day off to retrieve her belongings from the marital home due to personal problems with Respondent. Upon inquiry of the Warden, the Warden learned that Ms. Beach's brother Carroll Bradshaw had smoked marijuana with Respondent. The Warden called the brother by telephone. The brother confirmed he had smoked marijuana with Respondent several occasions. In response, the Warden asked Respondent to submit to a drug test. Respondent was cooperative and agreed to submit to the drug test. Volusia Correctional Institution does not conduct random drug testing. At no time did Respondent question why he was being asked to submit to a drug test. Bolton accompanied Respondent to the Halifax Hospital facility to submit a urine specimen for drug testing. In testing specimens for marijuana, two tests are conducted; the first of these is an immunoassay screen, and the second is a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS) test. The GCMS test is the more definitive test which specifically identifies THC, the major metabolite of marijuana. THC is also the part of marijuana which gives it its psycho-active properties. Cut-off levels are used in the testing process in order to exclude positive test results for persons who may have had accidental (or second-hand) exposure to marijuana. Respondent submitted his first urine sample for drug testing on February 28, 1996. On March 4, 1996, the results on the immunoassay screen came back positive for cannabinoid (marijuana). The sample first tested positive. It then tested about 300 nanograms of THC in the GCMS test. On March 19, 1996, a second test was conducted on Respondent's original urine sample. On March 20, 1996, the results of that test were received and reviewed by Dr. Hung Doan. The GCMS test showed 259 nanograms of THC. The result was confirmatory of the first as positive for marijuana. Dr. Hung Doan is a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). He is certified as to his knowledge of drugs, their medical usage and ingestion. Dr. Doan is an expert in the field. Dr. Doan was the MRO who reviewed and certified the results of Respondent's two positive drug tests in 1996. The high levels of marijuana detected in the two positive tests of Respondent's urine sample conclusively establish that the results could not have been caused by accidental or passive inhalation of marijuana. The results did not rule out ingestion of marijuana since the evidence showed that about two cigarette sized amounts of marijuana would produce results similar to those found on Respondent's tests. However, the evidence did not show that Respondent had eaten any marijuana. Only multiple "accidental" exposures to, in conjunction with "accidental" ingestion of marijuana could possibly have resulted in the nanogram levels detected in Respondent's urine without his knowledge. Respondent did not produce any evidence beyond speculation to suggest that this might have occurred in his case. Mr. Beach was notified of the first positive test on March 4, 1996, by Mary Yochum, Dr. Doan's assistant. Respondent's response to being told that he tested positive for marijuana was "okay." He was concerned with the result but could not go into detail over the phone because other officers were present. On March 6, 1996, Respondent submitted a separate urine sample for the purposes of having an independent drug test. The results of that test were negative for marijuana. However, this second test occurred seven days after the first urine sample was given. The test only shows Respondent's level of cannabinoid on the latter date had decreased or diluted sufficiently to fall below the cut-off point for such tests. Marijuana can clear the human body's system within days. However, a chronic user of marijuana may take up to 75 days before the drug clears the persons system. It depends on the persons individual metabolism. Carroll Bradshaw is the ex-brother-in-law of Respondent. Mr. Bradshaw is a known drug user and convicted felon. He was last released from incarceration in 1998 after serving time for a cocaine charge. He continues to use drugs to date. Mr. Bradshaw regularly socialized, and smoked marijuana with Respondent. However, he had not smoked marijuana for quite a while before receiving the telephone call from the Warden. Respondent admittedly was familiar with the smell and appearance of marijuana. Respondent would typically supply and prepare the marijuana which he and his brother-in-law smoked while socializing. Respondent kept his stash of marijuana on a "paraphernalia" tray underneath his couch in his home. Respondent's former mother-in-law, who was also familiar with the look and smell of marijuana because of her son's problems, witnessed Respondent smoking marijuana with her son and others. She confirmed the testimony of her son and her daughter as to Respondent's use of marijuana. Given these facts Petitioner has shown clear and convincing evidence that Respondent violated Chapter 943, Florida Statutes.

Recommendation Based upon the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That Respondent be found guilty of failing to maintain good moral character, as required by Section 943.13(7), Florida Statutes, and that Respondent's certification be revoked. DONE AND ENTERED this 25th day of April, 2001, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DIANE CLEAVINGER Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 25th day of April, 2001. COPIES FURNISHED: Gabrielle Taylor, Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489 John Stanton, Esquire 121 1/2 North Woodland Boulevard Suite 3 Deland, Florida 32720 Rod Caswell, Program Director Division of Criminal Justice Professionalism Services Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489 Michael Ramage, General Counsel Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489 James T. Moore, Commissioner Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489

Florida Laws (4) 120.57893.13943.13943.1395 Florida Administrative Code (3) 11B-27.001111B-27.0022511B-27.005
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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING vs KIMBERLY A. HUDSON, 05-000601PL (2005)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:St. Petersburg, Florida Feb. 22, 2005 Number: 05-000601PL Latest Update: Nov. 07, 2019

The Issue The issue for determination is whether Petitioner should discipline Respondent's pari-mutuel wagering occupational license for allegedly preventing authorized personnel from taking a urine sample from a greyhound after a race in violation of Florida Administrative Code Rule 61D-6.005(9).

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the agency responsible for regulating pari-mutuel wagering in the state. Respondent holds pari-mutuel wagering occupational license number 467790-1021. On August 4, 2004, Respondent was the trainer of record of two racing greyhounds named "Vonda Easy" and "Zito Easy." Both dogs competed in the fourth race of the matinee performance at Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club (the race). Vonda Easy finished first in the race. As the winner of a race, Vonda Easy was subject to mandatory drug testing pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61D-6.005(1). Veterinary Assistant Mr. Anthony Manfredi met Respondent at the detention enclosure in the finish area for the purpose of walking Vonda Easy and collecting a post-race urine sample. Respondent brought Vonda Easy and Zito Easy to the detention area and refused to walk Vonda Easy without Zito Easy. Respondent effectively interfered with the required urine collection from Vonda Easy by brining two dogs to the detention area and insisting that both dogs walk during the urine collection process in violation of Florida Administrative Code Rule 61D-6.005(9). Mr. Manfredi asked Respondent to give Zito Easy to someone else while Mr. Manfredi attempted to get a urine sample from Vonda Easy. Respondent told Mr. Manfredi that she was going to walk both dogs together since they were from the same kennel. Another person was not available at the detention area to hold Zito Easy during the urine collection from Vonda Easy. Mr. Manfredi asked Respondent a second time to only bring one dog with her during the urine sample collection process. He informed Respondent that having more than one dog in the urine sample collection area would interfere with his ability to collect a urine sample. Respondent refused to bring only one dog into the urine sample collection area. Rather, Respondent brought two greyhounds with her into the urine sample collection area and effectively prevented the collection of the required urine sample. The purpose of collecting a urine sample from a racing greyhound is to protect the health and welfare of the racing greyhound by testing to see if any impermissible substances are present in the body of the racing greyhound. The collection of a post-race urine sample from a racing greyhound also ensures that the medication rules of the state are being followed. Trainers, including Respondent, must comply with procedures and policies designed to ensure that the correct animal has been sampled and that there is little or no opportunity for any kind of contamination to occur at the test site. Trainer compliance ensures the integrity of the testing process. The procedures and policies for testing animals are set forth in the Greyhound Veterinary Assistant Handbook (Handbook). In relevant part, the Handbook prohibits an owner/trainer from walking two dogs at once in the finish area after a race. The urine sample collection area at the track is limited and does not easily accommodate two dogs. Walking two greyhounds at the same time may cause a sample to go uncollected due to having the presence of the other greyhound. The presence of two dogs increases the likelihood of contaminating a post- race urine sample. The presence of Vonda Easy and Zito Easy in fact prevented the collection of the mandatory urine sample.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law it is RECOMMENDED that the Petitioner enter a final order finding that Respondent violated Florida Administrative Code Rule 61D-6.005(9), and impose an administrative fine of $1,000 pursuant to Subsection 550.105(5)(d), Florida Statutes (2004). DONE AND ENTERED this 29th day of June, 2005, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL MANRY Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 29th day of June, 2005. COPIES FURNISHED: Stefan Thomas Hoffer, Esquire Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Kimberly A. Hudson 5622 Tangerine Avenue, South Gulfport, Florida 33711 David J. Roberts, Director Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Leon Biegalski, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202

Florida Laws (3) 120.57120.69550.105 Florida Administrative Code (1) 61D-6.005
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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING vs KIRK M. ZIADIE, 14-004716PL (2014)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Fort Lauderdale, Florida Oct. 10, 2014 Number: 14-004716PL Latest Update: Jan. 12, 2016

The Issue Whether Respondent raced an animal with a drug in violation of section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2012),1/ as alleged in the Administrative Complaints, and, if so, what sanction is appropriate.

Findings Of Fact The Division is the state agency charged with regulating pari-mutuel wagering in the state of Florida, pursuant to chapter 550, Florida Statutes (2015). At all times material, Mr. Ziadie held a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license, number 701515-0121, issued by the Division. At all times material, Mr. Ziadie was subject to chapter 550 and the implementing rules in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61D-6.2/ Under section 550.2415(1)(a), an animal may not be raced with any drug. It is a violation for any person to administer a drug to an animal which results in a positive test in samples taken from the animal after the race. Under section 550.2415(1)(c), "[t]he finding of a prohibited substance in a race-day specimen constitutes prima facie evidence that the substance was administered and was carried in the body of the animal while participating in the race." Under rule 61D-6.002(1), "[t]he trainer of record shall be responsible for and be the absolute insurer of the condition of the . . . horses he/she enters to race." As reflected in Division records kept in accordance with the 2010 Equine Detention Barn Procedures Manual ("the Manual"), which was in effect at all relevant times, Mr. Ziadie was the trainer of record of the thoroughbred horses from which samples were obtained in Ziadie I and Ziadie II. Mr. Ziadie is substantially affected by the Division's intended action. The equine detention barn is the site at each licensed racetrack in Florida where employees of the Division collect urine and blood samples from racehorses. It includes a fenced- in and secured area that generally has at least six stalls, as well as an area for walking the horses after a race. After a horse has been selected for sample collection (usually the top two or three finishers and sometimes a "special" that has been added at the request of the stewards), a Division employee tags the horse and accompanies it back to the detention barn. Along the way, a Division veterinary assistant assigned to the horse assumes custody and escorts the horse. At the barn, the horse is positively identified by means of a tattoo on the underside of its lip. The horse is walked to cool it down and sometimes bathed, and then taken into a stall for sample collection. Following their respective races, Mr. Ziadie's horses were immediately taken in this fashion to the detention barn for the taking of urine and blood samples. The Division publishes the Manual under the direction of Ms. Blackman as the chief of operations. The Manual is used at all horse racing facilities in the state of Florida and was last updated on June 25, 2010. The Manual provides that veterinary assistants, chief veterinary assistants, detention barn security guards, and detention barn supervisors "study, become completely familiar with, and put into practice" the procedures outlined in the Manual. It describes seven steps in chain-of-custody procedures, three of which are "collecting the specimen, sealing the specimen, and completing the required forms," and describes detailed procedures in this "strict sequence of events that must be followed." As the Manual makes clear, Division employees at the detention barns in the state of Florida are all required to follow the procedures outlined in the Manual "each and every time" they work with samples. They do not have discretion not to follow its requirements. Mr. Stirling credibly testified that in his capacity as executive director of the Florida Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association, a position he has held for 20 years, he was an advocate for the horsemen. He attended all of the workshops for rules relating to medication overages as one of his primary duties. The centrifuging process, extraction of the serum, and sealing of the serum specimen as described in detail in the Manual were never discussed at a rulemaking hearing. These procedures are not a part of rule 61D-6.005, adopted in 2001. As he testified, Mr. Stirling was not even aware of these procedures until a month or two before the final hearing in these cases. The Manual has not been adopted under the procedures of section 120.54. At the time of these races, rule 61D-6.005, effective November 19, 2001,3/ governed the procedures for the taking of urine and blood samples from the horses. Subsection (3) provided in part: The specimen shall be sealed in its container, assigned an official sample number which is affixed to the specimen container, and the correspondingly numbered information portion of the sample tag shall be detached and signed by the owner, trainer, groom, or the authorized person as a witness to the taking and sealing of the specimen. Subsection 4.5 of the Manual describes the sample tag in greater detail: RL 172-03 is a self-adhesive sequentially numbered bar-coded, three part form (blood label, urine label and card) provided by the University of Florida Racing Laboratory that is used to catalog specimens by assigning them "Specimen Numbers." As specimens are collected, information regarding the animal from which the sample was collected is written on the bottom of this form. The top two portions of the form (Blood, Urine) are completed with the Track Number and Collection Date. The applicable top portions of the form are then separated and applied to the urine specimen cup and/or evergreen blood tube. The bottom portion, or Specimen Card, is completed and appropriately signed and is sent to the Tallahassee Office of Operations to be filed. The sample tag thus consists of three portions: the numbered portion designated for the blood specimen ("blood label"), the numbered portion designated for the urine specimen ("urine label"), and the numbered portion containing additional information about the animal and trainer that is to be signed by the witness ("card"). In the sampling procedures followed in these cases, the blood label was not affixed to the collection tube. The blood label, from which the card portion was "detached," was affixed to the evergreen blood tube. This was consistent with the governing rule, as well as the Manual. The evergreen tube is the specimen container for the serum. The sampling procedures followed with respect to the serum and urine samples taken in Ziadie I and Ziadie II were in compliance with the procedures set forth in the Manual. As stated in subsection 4.4 of the Manual, "[s]ealing the sample ensures the specimen does not spill during shipment to the laboratory and assures all parties that the sample has not been tampered with." The same purposes are served by sealing the serum specimen. After the blood samples were taken by the veterinarian, they were not "sealed" in the collection tubes. The fact that the collection tubes are air tight prior to and after the taking of the blood and initially contain a partial vacuum to facilitate collection, does not constitute "sealing" of the specimen in its container for purposes of the rule. As Dr. Watson testified: Q: Okay. Are these 15 milliliter tubes sealed? A: Well, they're sealed in that there's a vacuum in there and in order to draw the blood efficiently, that vacuum has to be there. If that seal is broken then it would not work. But, as far as sealing for legal purposes, they're not sealed at that time. There's a process that it has to go through in order to extract the serum. The three collection tubes are not the specimen container, but the last three digits of the number from the blood label affixed to the specimen container were written on each blood collection tube with a black "Sharpie" type marking pen to ensure control of the sample. The Manual prescribes detailed procedures for spinning the blood collected from the race horses in a centrifuge to extract the serum. After the blood was centrifuged, and the serum was poured into the evergreen tube, the serum was sealed with evidence tape, as described in the Manual, and the chief veterinary assistant put his initials over the seal. This constituted "sealing" of the specimen in its container. Subsection 4.6 of the Manual provides: Serum is poured into applicable (numbered) "evergreen" tubes. Each "evergreen" tube is immediately properly sealed with evidence tape. Rule 61D-6.005 does not make any reference to spinning the blood in the centrifuge to extract serum, the pouring of serum into an evergreen tube, the sealing of the evergreen tube with evidence tape, or the freezing of the specimen. The Manual establishes additional policies and procedures not contained in the rule. The serum must be separated from the blood because whole blood cannot be frozen without damage that would affect its usefulness in laboratory testing. Centrifuging facilitates the separation of the serum from the whole blood. The transfer of the separated serum from the glass collection tubes to the plastic evergreen tube is then done for two reasons. First, the plug that helps separate the serum can allow the blood cells to seep around and return to the serum, where they can release hemoglobin and iron, which can distort laboratory analysis. Second, using the plastic evergreen tube saves shipping weight and reduces the incidence of breakage during shipping. The centrifuged collection tubes are stored in a locked refrigerator. The opening of the centrifuged collection tubes and the pouring of the serum into correspondingly numbered evergreen specimen containers is carefully performed by Division employees with the intent to avoid contamination. The sealed evergreen specimen containers then remain in a locked freezer until they are shipped to the laboratory. The evidence was clear and convincing that the serum specimens in these consolidated cases were derived from the blood sample tubes bearing the same last three numbers as the tag which was prepared when the blood was taken. The serum specimens came from Mr. Ziadie's horses. Dr. Barker testified that the "free pour" of the serum was the point at which the specimen was most vulnerable, and that contamination or tampering was possible. He stated he would have preferred more supervision, witnessing, and documentation as to who was doing what, at what time. Dr. Cole concurred that there is always a possibility of contamination when a sample is transferred from one container to another. However, the free pour method used to transfer the serum from the collection tubes into the evergreen specimen container is one of the better approaches, as opposed to using a pipette or other method that would put something into the sample. Contamination from the free pour of the serum is unlikely. There was no evidence introduced to suggest that misidentification, tampering, or contamination of the specimens was likely or probable. The state veterinarian who took the blood sample from each horse signed PMW Form 504, a Daily Record of Sample Collection, indicating that this had been done. After centrifuging the whole blood in the collection tubes, at the end of the day the state veterinarian usually leaves the collection tubes with the chief veterinary assistant, who pours the separated serum from each collection tube into the correspondingly numbered evergreen container and seals it. Sometimes, the state veterinarian stays to observe the transfer of the serum to the evergreen specimen container. No document is signed to note the time that the state veterinarian leaves the samples at the detention barn or the time that the chief veterinary assistant opens the collection tubes and transfers the serum. Custody of the samples remains with Division personnel throughout this process. No transfer of custody takes place until the specimen containers are shipped to the laboratory. In each instance of sampling in these cases, the owner's witness signed the card portion of the sample tag (Form RL 172-03) after the taking of the urine and blood samples. In each instance of sampling in these cases, the owner's witness signed the card portion of the sample tag after the sealing of the urine specimen in its container, but before the sealing of the serum specimen in its container, the evergreen tube. In each instance of sampling in these cases, the owner's witness did not observe the extraction of the serum or the sealing of the serum specimen in its container with the evidence tape. The witnesses could have remained to watch those procedures had they requested to do so. Subsection 4.6 of the Manual states, "the owner, trainer of record or designated authorized witness may leave with the released animal or may elect to witness the conclusion of the collected blood specimen processing and sealing cycle." According to Division policy, two signs are posted in the detention barns to advise owners' witnesses that they may remain to witness the centrifuge process and sealing of the sample. Specific testimony that a sign was in place at the exact times sample collection took place in each of these races, or the exact location that it was posted, was lacking. However, there was more general testimony from Dr. Watson that signs have been posted ever since he has been employed. Dr. Watson credibly testified that, during the five years he has been working at the tracks, no owner's representative has ever stayed to watch the centrifuging of the samples or the sealing of the serum specimen container. The pouring of the collection tubes into the specimen container takes place at the end of the racing day, after all of the horses have departed from the detention barn. It would be very inconvenient for an owner's witness to remain until the serum specimens were sealed. The procedures that were followed--set forth in the Manual--which allowed the owner's witness to sign the sample tag after witnessing the taking of the blood but before the sealing of the specimen, were not in compliance with rule 61D-6.005(3), quoted above, which required the owner's representative to sign as a witness to both the taking and sealing of the specimen. Even had it been clearly shown that signs advising the owners' representatives that they were allowed to stay and witness the sealing of the specimen container were prominently displayed on every occasion on which the samples were taken, this would not bring the procedure being followed into compliance with rule 61D-6.005(3). The requirement that the authorized representative must witness not only the taking, but also the sealing of specimens, is a provision directly related to maintaining integrity in the sample collection process. Such deliberate disregard of the plain language of the rule directly affects the fairness of the entire blood sampling procedure. The urine and serum samples in these cases were properly delivered to the University of Florida racing laboratory and the integrity of the samples was intact. The laboratory conducts an initial screening of each urine sample in a process of elimination to weed out negative samples that do not contain any suspected drugs. This screening looks at a large number of samples and screens them broadly. The suspicious samples are then subjected to confirmation testing, in either serum or urine, testing a fewer number of samples and targeting for detection of specific drugs. The Association of Racing Commissioners International create Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances. Classes range from class I drugs, which have no therapeutic value and are most likely to affect the outcome of a race, to class V drugs, which have the most therapeutic value and the least potential to affect the outcome of a race. Class III, IV, and V drugs all have some therapeutic value. Clenbuterol is a bronchodilator, a drug which may be prescribed for horses for therapeutic purposes. If a horse had blood or sand in his lungs after a race, he might be placed on clenbuterol for five to eight days, twice a day, and the medication would clean the lungs out completely. Clenbuterol also has the capacity to be a repartitioning (conversion of fat into muscle) agent. It is not as effective as an anabolic steroid, but it does have the capacity for building muscle. Rule 61D-6.008 does not permit any clenbuterol in the body of a racing animal on race day. Clenbuterol is a Class III drug under the Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances. Phenylbutazone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation. It was credibly described as having effects similar to aspirin. Rule 61D-6.008(2)(a)2. provided in part that, "[p]henylbutzone may be administered to a horse providing . . . the post-race serum sample of such horse contains a concentration less than 2 micrograms (mcg) of Phenylbutazone or its metabolites per milliliter (ml) of serum." Phenylbutazone is a class IV drug under the Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances. The laboratory routinely receives only the information on the urine and blood labels with the specimens and does not know the identity of the horse or trainer. Samples tested in the laboratory are assigned an "LIMS" number internal to the laboratory and do not contain any information that would identify the horse or trainer. The technicians who actually conduct the tests are not informed of the name of the horse or trainer involved. Once the Division is advised by a laboratory report that a sample has "tested positive" for a particular substance, the Division matches the laboratory report to the sample tag, which has been kept under lock and key, to determine the identity of the horse and trainer. The stewards and trainer are then notified. After the trainer is notified of positive results, he has the opportunity to request a split sample. In this procedure, a portion of the specimen is shipped from the University of Florida laboratory to an outside laboratory for independent analysis. There is a minimum amount of a drug that can be detected scientifically with a reliable concentration range. As the scientific capability to detect a drug improves, this testing level can be lowered by a laboratory. The instrumentation can almost always detect the presence of the drug below the reliable concentration range that establishes the testing level. As Ms. Wilding testified, a "withdrawal time" is the time interval prior to sample collection at which the last administration of a drug can take place to allow the drug to be cleared from the horse's system so that no "positive" would be reported in that sample based upon the test detection level or reporting point for that particular drug. Mr. Stirling testified that based upon informal conversations with Dr. Tebbet, Dr. Cole, and Dr. Sams, former directors of the laboratory, he had disseminated information to horsemen for years that a five-day withdrawal time would be appropriate for clenbuterol. From July 1, 2010, until June 30, 2011, there were four clenbuterol positives from horse race tracks in Florida. From July 1, 2011, until June 30, 2012, there were 13 clenbuterol positives from horse race tracks in Florida. During this same fiscal year, the laboratory also found the presence of clenbuterol in 193 additional samples, but did not deem them "positives." In these samples, the laboratory detected clenbuterol in a concentration of less than 25 picograms per milliliter. Dr. Barker credibly testified that the fact that 193 findings of clenbuterol at less than 25 picograms per milliliter were not called "positives" indicated that either the laboratory or the Division had some form of confirmation level established. As Ms. Wilding testified, changes to the protocol as to the amount of a drug that must be present in a sample before that sample will be called "positive" are made through revisions to the laboratory's standard operating procedures (SOPs). Ms. Blackman testified that she had conversations with Ms. Wilding at the laboratory "sometime in, maybe, the summer of 2012" about the ability of the laboratory to calibrate their instruments to detect clenbuterol at the lowest level, based upon Ms. Blackman's understanding that clenbuterol was being abused, in that it was being prescribed not just for its bronchodilator effect, but also for its anabolic effects. SOP DCN: R1.07.04.05.04-07, entitled "Extraction of Clenbuterol from Horse Serum or Plasma and Identification by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry," effective April 27, 2012, established the low end of the calibration curve at 10 picograms per milliliter. The amount of the lower positive control was 25 picograms per milliliter. The SOP provided: "If the mean concentration of clenbuterol in the test sample is less than the lower end of the calibration curve, it will not be reported." From July 1 until December 31, 2012, there were nine clenbuterol positives from horse race tracks in Florida. The first Florida positive called by the laboratory for a thoroughbred race horse whose post-race serum sample contained a level of clenbuterol less than 25 picograms per milliliter of serum was for the first race in Ziadie I, on July 4, 2012, which was reported as a positive with a level of 18 picograms per milliliter. Testing also confirmed in serum the presence of phenylbutazone in that first sample, in the amount of 2.3 micrograms per milliliter, an amount in excess of the 2 micrograms per milliliter which is permitted. The laboratory results were sent to the Division by letter dated August 6, 2012. The initial confirmation of the phenylbutazone overage and clenbuterol positive from the race of July 4, 2012, was originally sent to the stewards to resolve but was later taken from the stewards and turned into an administrative complaint. On August 9, 2012, a long article appeared in the Miami New Times entitled "Cheaters Prosper at Calder Park." The article described a racing industry tainted by drug violations and criticized the Division for lax regulations and poor enforcement. The article identified Mr. Ziadie by name, giving a short biography and saying there were signs of "systematic rulebreaking" over his long racing career. Ms. Blackman saw the article. She also forwarded an e-mail attaching the article to Ms. Wilding at the laboratory. Clenbuterol was confirmed in serum taken after the other four races of the Ziadie I complaint, held on August 17, August 30, September 14, and September 27, 2012. The concentration of clenbuterol in those samples ranged from 10 to 21 picograms per milliliter. The results from the laboratory were provided to the Division on September 25, October 1 (two races), and October 16, 2012. At Mr. Ziadie's request, the samples were split, and an independent laboratory confirmed the presence of clenbuterol in each sample. In late December 2012, the Division gave the laboratory authority to begin conducting confirmation testing for clenbuterol in urine rather than in serum. In the beginning of 2013, the laboratory changed to a 140 picogram per milliliter confirmation level for clenbuterol in urine. The Division did not give notification to the horsemen or veterinarians of these changes. From January 1, 2013, until June 30, 2013, there were 154 clenbuterol positives from the horse race tracks in Florida. Dr. Barker testified: So you would be able to see clenbuterol in urine for a much longer period of time. And, of course, that's also why ARCI now has a urine threshold instead of a plasma threshold because the idea was to push it out as far as they could and still be able to call it. They couldn't do that sufficiently in blood, they felt, so they converted it to a urine threshold. So if you go from a plasma threshold to a urine threshold, particularly the-–if it's a threshold that ARCI has recommended, you know, ARCI threshold is 140 picograms per ml in urine, and that's based on using the lowest dose and a 14-day withdrawal. Well, if you had been using the lowest dose and had been following a five-day withdrawal, you would come up positive. If you had been using the lowest dose and had been following a ten-day withdrawal, you're going to come up positive. And so if people, trainers and veterinarians, were not being informed of a change in how the laboratory was testing and interpreting data, and basically was working from a position that required a longer withdrawal time and the horsemen didn't know that, well, you're going to-–you should get all kinds of positives. Dr. Barker's explanation of the consequences of changing from a serum confirmation to a urine confirmation for clenbuterol is credited. His testimony also at least partially explains why there is not a clear correlation between the concentrations of clenbuterol detected in serum with the concentrations detected in urine from samples taken at the same time. The amounts of clenbuterol and the times it was administered to the horse remain unknown variables, and clenbuterol is detectable for a longer period of time in urine. Differences might also be explained by the amount of water the horse drank, or other factors. On or about February 8, 2013, following the great increase in the number of positive calls for clenbuterol, Mr. Stirling posted a notice regarding withdrawal times at the tracks and published it in the "overnights" that went to trainers. The notice stated: According to the Department [sic] of Pari Mutuel Wagering the withdrawal time for clenbuterol is the same as it was previously (5 days) at the proper dosage. If you had a recent positive for clenbuterol and used the old/new withdrawal time there should be no administrative action taken against you. At either the end of February or the beginning of March of 2013, the Division requested the laboratory to return to clenbuterol confirmation screening in serum, rather than urine. SOP DCN: R1.07.04.05.04-09, entitled "Extraction of Clenbuterol from Horse Serum or Plasma and Identification by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry," effective March 7, 2013, established the low end of the calibration curve at 5 picograms per milliliter. The low end of the calibration curve reflects the lower limit of detection at which the SOP can detect a drug with a reliable concentration range. The amount of the lower positive control was set at 15 picograms per milliliter. The SOP provided: "If the mean concentration of clenbuterol in the test sample is less than the lower end of the calibration curve, it will not be reported." Clenbuterol was confirmed in serum in confirmation testing of 13 of the Ziadie II samples, taken after races from March 13, 2013, through October 27, 2013, ranging in concentration from 5 to 14 picograms per milliliter. These samples were also split, and an independent laboratory confirmed the presence of clenbuterol in each sample. Testing also confirmed in serum the presence of phenylbutazone in the sample taken from the race on January 19, 2014, in Ziadie II, in the amount of 2.3 micrograms per milliliter, plus or minus .3 micrograms. The Division did not give notification to the horsemen of any changes in the testing level at which the laboratory would report that a sample had tested positive for clenbuterol. Ms. Blackman testified that clenbuterol is not permitted at any level on race day, and it is the trainers' responsibility, in conjunction with their veterinarians, to decide whether to administer a particular medication at all. She testified that she did not think it was in the best interest of the horses or the Division to make announcements every time they are able to detect a new drug or an existing drug at a lower level. In contrast, she noted, when the amount of phenylbutazone permitted in a horse on race day was lowered from mg to 2 mg, this was announced to the horsemen through the public rulemaking process. An advance notice of about six months allowed trainers to work out adjustments with veterinarians so there would not be a huge number of phenylbutazone positives when the new rule became effective. Since phenylbutazone is a "threshold" drug permitted on race day at no greater than prescribed amounts, Ms. Blackman testified that it was reasonable to give horsemen notice of this change. Dr. Cole testified that she had a different view about changes to testing levels of drugs such as clenbuterol that were completely prohibited on race day when she was the director of the lab, saying she believed it was "prudent and fair" to notify the horsemen of changes in advance: Often when we're changing levels or sensitivity for medication type—drugs that have legitimate use in a horse, we would try to have a conversation with the horsemen to let them know that change was coming so that they could comply. Generally it's going to be an increase in the withdrawal time that they're going to be needed. On March 20, 2013, Mr. Stirling sent an e-mail to Ms. Blackman stating that he was beginning to get low-level positives for clenbuterol again, giving an example of picograms per milliliter. He stated he thought the testing medium had been changed back to blood to return to a five-day withdrawal time and asked how the Division planned to handle the low-level clenbuterols from December. In e-mail correspondence continuing through April and May of 2013, Mr. Stirling continued to question the Division about the withdrawal time and to urge a 25 picogram per milliliter testing level. Ms. Blackman advised that the laboratory was re-confirming in serum the clenbuterol positives that had been confirmed in urine. She noted that a 10 picogram per milliliter reporting point for testing in serum had been established prior to the change in the medium for confirmation and noted there was no "threshold" for clenbuterol in Florida. On May 24, 2013, Ms. Blackman advised Mr. Stirling that clenbuterol positives confirmed in serum at 5 picograms per milliliter or a greater concentration would be prosecuted. On or about May 29, 2013, Mr. Stirling issued a memorandum to Florida horsemen advising that the Division was continuing to call clenbuterol positives at levels detected below 25 picograms per milliliter and suggesting that they should no longer rely on a five-day withdrawal time. The memorandum suggested that a 14-day withdrawal time "should be more than safe" for avoiding a clenbuterol positive. Mr. Ziadie admitted he did not change his practice of utilizing a five-day withdrawal time in response: I was still stuck on the five days, your honor. I was stubborn. I know I did wrong. I know that there was a rumor and I know there was a brochure going around 14 days. but I was trying to do the best for my horses. I thought that it was the medication that they needed at the time when we were racing and I take blame for being stubborn and making a mistake, but I did keep it at 5 days. SOP DCN: R1.07.04.05.11-06, entitled "Extraction of Clenbuterol from Horse or Dog Urine and Identification by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry," effective October 9, 2014, established the low end of the calibration curve at 50 picograms per milliliter and the high end of the calibration curve at 2000 picograms per milliliter. The amount set for both positive controls was 140 picograms per milliliter. The SOP provided: Report the calculated concentration of clenbuterol in the suspect sample as the average of its duplicates if its calculated value lies within the range of the calibration curve. If the calculated concentration of clenbuterol in the test sample is outside the range of the calibration curve, it will be reported as either greater than, or less than the limits of the calibration curve. Based on the serum test results, the Second Amended Complaint in Ziadie I was served on Mr. Ziadie on or about September 8, 2014. The First Amended Complaint in Ziadie II was served on Mr. Ziadie on or about March 16, 2015. Other trainers whose horses tested positive for clenbuterol did not have administrative complaints filed against them. The Division, instead, settled their cases with fines. Almost all of these trainers had few prior violations, however. There was credible testimony that the Division had offered to settle charges against one other trainer who had numerous prior violations with the imposition of fines and a short suspension, but there was no evidence that a settlement had been reached. It was also noted at hearing that this trainer's recent violations were in close proximity, which suggested that he might not have been informed of the violations in one case before the samples were taken in the next. The Division noted that this could be a mitigating factor, because a trainer would not reasonably have had an opportunity to adjust his medication levels in response to the earlier violations. Ms. Wilding testified that, in early 2015, she was asked by the Division to re-confirm the 2012 positive serum confirmations from Ziadie I using the urine samples taken immediately after those races. The urine samples had been used for initial screening in 2012, but had not been used for confirmation at that time. The urine samples had been stored in a minus 30-degree freezer since the initial screening in 2012 had determined them suspicious for clenbuterol. On March 18, 2015, Ms. Wilding sent an e-mail to her immediate subordinates, the supervisors of the laboratory's four main divisions, advising that "PMW Legal is asking us to analyze the five urine samples in the first Ziadie case for clenbuterol." Her e-mail listed the sample numbers for the five urine samples and directed that they be rescreened for clenbuterol and then tested for confirmation. The 2012 urine samples were rescreened for clenbuterol in 2015, and, as Ms. Wilding testified, the results were in "good agreement" with the screening results from 2012. This indicated that the presence of clenbuterol remained relatively stable over that period of time. Although the laboratory supervisors knew the trainer associated with the samples, as Ms. Wilding and Mr. Russell testified, samples tested in the laboratory do not contain identification of the horse or trainer and are only marked with a "LIMS" number internal to the lab. The technicians who actually performed these tests were not informed of the name of the horse or trainer involved. Clenbuterol was confirmed in the urine in the 2015 tests in each of the five samples from Ziadie I, ranging in concentration from 1.8 nanograms per milliliter to 1.3 nanograms per milliliter. The samples were also split, and an independent laboratory confirmed the presence of clenbuterol in each urine sample. There was no significant degradation of the urine samples over the three-year period. The results were scientifically sound. In early May 2015, again at the Division's request, the laboratory began confirmation testing for clenbuterol in urine samples from the Ziadie II races. These urine samples were not rescreened because, as Ms. Wilding had earlier determined from the Ziadie I urine samples, the stability of clenbuterol in urine stored in a minus 30-degree freezer for several years was "excellent." The senior staff members were again likely told about the identity of the trainer. Again, samples tested in the laboratory do not contain identification of the horse or trainer and are only marked with a "LIMS" number internal to the lab. The technicians who actually performed the confirmation testing were not informed of the name of the horse or trainer involved. The samples confirmed positive for clenbuterol at concentrations, in picograms per milliliter, of 973, 551, 390, 212, 718, 450, 236, 740, 698, 225, 435, 197, and 435, all amounts with a measurement of uncertainty at plus or minus 30 picograms. Again, these results were scientifically sound. The serum specimens were routinely collected without the owners' representatives witnessing the sealing of the specimens and were not collected pursuant to the requirements of chapter 61D-6. The systematic and regular violation of this important requirement constituted a significant procedural error that affected the fairness of the blood sampling procedure. Subsection 4.6 of the Manual is an unadopted rule. The only evidence of the presence of phenylbutazone in any of Mr. Ziadie's horses was from serum obtained pursuant to the unadopted procedures of subsection 4.6 of the Manual and in a manner contrary to the Division's own rule. The Division failed to prove that Mr. Ziadie's horses carried a prohibited level of phenylbutazone in their bodies on race day. The urine test results proved that Mr. Ziadie's horses in these consolidated cases had clenbuterol in their bodies on race day. Mr. Lawson testified that as a licensed horse owner in the United States, South Africa, and Jamaica, he has had an opportunity to observe the different ways that trainers care for their thoroughbred horses. He testified that Mr. Ziadie's stalls were always clean, the handling of the feed was always done in a very systemized and structured way, and the best feed available was used, even though it had to be imported and was much more expensive. He testified that Mr. Ziadie's horses were always well groomed, they always looked very healthy, their coats were very shiny, their feet were carefully inspected, and they were happy horses. He testified that Mr. Ziadie looked after the specific needs of each horse, rather than treating them all the same, and spent a lot of time personally inspecting them. He noted that Mr. Ziadie didn't race his horses as often as other trainers. Mr. Lawson's testimony was bolstered by the stipulated testimony of Dr. Al Smollen, a veterinarian for the tracks, and the testimony about the excellent condition of Mr. Ziadie's horses, the cleanliness of their surroundings, the quality of the feed, and the care given to the horses is credited. The Division presented clear evidence that Mr. Ziadie has had 14 prior violations of section 550.2415, Florida Statutes. The Division case number, date of offense, name of restricted drug, classification, and disposition are as follows: CASE NUMBER DATE DRUGS CLASS

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, enter a final order finding Mr. Kirk M. Ziadie guilty of 18 counts of violating section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code Rule 61D-6.002(1); imposing an administrative fine of $18,000; and suspending his license for six years. DONE AND ENTERED this 15th day of December, 2015, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S F. SCOTT BOYD Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 15th day of December, 2015.

Florida Laws (8) 120.52120.54120.56120.569120.57120.68550.0251550.2415 Florida Administrative Code (1) 61D-6.005
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF NURSING vs MICHAEL N. HEIMUR, C.N.A., 08-005800PL (2008)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Sarasota, Florida Nov. 19, 2008 Number: 08-005800PL Latest Update: Jun. 26, 2009

The Issue The issue in the case is whether the allegations of the Administrative Complaint are correct, and, if so, what discipline should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact At all times material to this case, the Respondent was a licensed certified nursing assistant, holding Florida license number 113243. On or about December 14, 2008, the Petitioner submitted to a drug screening urinalysis test at the request of an employer, Maxim Healthcare Services (Maxim). The sample was collected at a Maxim facility located at University Park, Florida. The Forensic Drug Testing Custody and Control Form and the urine sample collection container bear handwritten dates of December 13, 2008. At some point, the dates on the form and the container were overwritten to indicate that the sample was collected on December 14, 2008. According to the Respondent's Response to the Petitioner's Request for Admissions, the sample was collected on April 14, 2008. The Petitioner presented an expert witness who testified as to the testing procedures, including custody and storage of the urine samples to be tested. The expert witness' testimony regarding sample collection and transportation, calibration of equipment, sample storage and testing methodology, and reporting of test results, was persuasive and has been fully credited. According to the documentation presented by the Petitioner's expert witness, the sample collection container was received by the testing laboratory on December 15, 2008, with all transportation packaging and the sample container seal intact. According to the expert witness, the test for which Maxim paid, screened for ten drugs, including marijuana. According to the expert witness, the testing equipment was properly calibrated at the time the Respondent's urine sample was tested. The initial immunoassay test result indicated the presence of a recognized by-product of marijuana (delta nine tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid) in the Respondent's urine sample. Because the first result was positive, a second test was performed using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry device, which confirmed the presence of delta nine tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid in the Respondent's urine sample. The Respondent denied using marijuana. The Respondent asserted that the test results were inaccurate. The Respondent testified that he had a prescription for, and was taking, hydrocodone at the time he provided the urine sample for the test at issue in this proceeding, but that the test results did not indicate the presence of hydrocodone. The Respondent asserted that the test result was either the result of lab error or that the sample was not his urine. The Petitioner's expert witness testified that the screening tests purchased by Maxim included limited testing for opiates and would not have indicated the presence of hydrocodone in the Respondent's urine. Although the Respondent testified that he had been told by Maxim personnel that the test results should have revealed the presence of hydrocodone, the Respondent's testimony in this regard was uncorroborated hearsay and was insufficient to support a finding of fact. Although the Respondent asserted that the sample tested was either not his urine or was otherwise tampered with, the evidence failed to support the assertion. There was no evidence that the sample was tampered with in any manner when the sample was obtained or during transportation to the testing laboratory. There was no evidence that the seal on the sample collection container was not intact at the time the sample was provided or transported. There was no evidence that the sample was stored improperly. There was no evidence that the testing equipment was not properly calibrated or that the tests were improperly performed. The Respondent testified, without contradiction, that over the course of 20 years in nursing work both before and after the tests at issue in this proceeding, his test results have never reported the presence of marijuana.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Petitioner enter a final order assessing a fine of $250, requiring completion of an IPN evaluation, and imposing a 12-month period of probation. DONE AND ENTERED this 31st day of March, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of March, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Dr. Ana M. Viamonte Ros, Secretary State Surgeon General Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A-00 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 Rick Garcia, MS, RN, CCM Executive Director Board of Nursing Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 Patricia Dittman, Ph.D(C), RN, CDE Board of Nursing Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 Josefina M. Tamayo, General Counsel Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A-02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 Megan M. Blancho, Esquire Carla Schell, Esquire Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Michael N. Heimur, C.N.A. 4901 South Salford Boulevard North Port, Florida 34287

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57464.018464.204893.03 Florida Administrative Code (2) 64B9-8.00564B9-8.006
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND TRAINING COMMISSION vs CURTIS R. BRUNGARDT, 13-004135PL (2013)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tamarac, Florida Oct. 21, 2013 Number: 13-004135PL Latest Update: Mar. 28, 2014

The Issue Whether Respondent failed to maintain good moral character as alleged in the Administrative Complaint and, if so, what is the appropriate penalty.

Findings Of Fact At all times material to this proceeding, Respondent was certified as a correctional officer, having been issued Correctional Certificate No. 301820. Respondent has been employed by the Jefferson County Correctional Institution for the past year and a half. During that time, he has submitted to periodic random urinalysis testing as part of his employment. While at work on February 21, 2013, Respondent was informed that he had been selected for a random drug test. He and several other correctional officers were transported by van to LabCorp, located on Blountstown Highway in Tallahassee, to provide a urine sample. Tairra Wolfe is a certified phlebotomist who is employed by LabCorp at the Blountstown Highway location. In addition to being a phlebotomist, she performs DNA and drug testing, as well as processing. Ms. Wolfe described the process that is used at LabCorp when a person comes in for drug testing. First, the person being tested (the donor) brings in a consent form from his or her employer, and signs the consent form. The donor is then taken to the back, where the donor is given a cup for the urine specimen and is then instructed to go into the bathroom to provide a urine specimen in the cup. The tester is not in the bathroom when the specimen is given. After coming out of the bathroom, the donor hands the cup containing the urine specimen to Ms. Wolfe. She then tells the donor to use hand sanitizer, and to wait there. In the presence of the donor, she pours the urine specimen into another container, seals that container, and puts labels over the container. The container is sealed in front of the donor with tape that prevents the specimen from being opened without breaking the seal. Ms. Wolfe then labels the specimen and has the donor initial and date it in front of her. The seal contains a bar code. Respondent’s specimen was assigned a specimen ID of 0582899940. Ms. Wolfe then places the sealed container in a bag, which is also sealed and labeled with the specimen number and bar code, and which is also tamper resistant. The bag containing the specimen is placed in a large box in the processing room. This box is sealed at the end of each day and is picked up by a LabCorp courier. Lastly, the donor signs the chain of custody form in the section entitled “Completed by Donor.” Ms. Wolfe also signs the chain of custody form in the section entitled “Completed by Collector.” The section of the chain of custody form entitled “Completed by Donor” states in part: I certify that I provided my urine specimen to the collector; that I have not adulterated it in any manner; each specimen bottle used was sealed with a tamper-evident seal in my presence; and that the information provided on this form and on the label affixed to each specimen is correct. The chain of custody form for the urine specimen which is at issue in this proceeding is signed by both Ms. Wolfe and Respondent. Respondent’s specimen was transported to a LabCorp forensic drug testing laboratory in Southhaven, Mississippi. Ajai Saini is the lab manager at the Southhaven laboratory. He is responsible for all of the administrative and technical decisions to ensure the quality and timeliness of the laboratory results. He has extensive professional experience in the field of toxicology. The specimen was assigned a unique specimen ID or accession number used to identify that specimen for all processes within the laboratory. The specimen ID labeled as Respondent’s was assigned a specimen ID number of 0582899940. When received by the Southhaven lab, the primary specimen bottle seal was intact. The lab accessioned the bottle into their storage and aliquoted a sample of that bottle for testing. The urine sample was analyzed by LabCorp and a report was generated. The specimen was screened and confirmed positive for both marijuana and cocaine. This result was reviewed and certified. The initial test performed by LabCorp is an immunoassay test used to screen all samples. Any sample that is a presumptive positive by that screening method is then tested by a confirmatory method, i.e., gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In examining the test results for the sample identified as Respondent’s, Mr. Saini concluded that it tested positive for cocaine and marijuana metabolite. Respondent does not dispute the test results but rather asserts that the samples were mixed up in the Tallahassee LabCorp facility. Respondent testified at hearing that he had been tested several times before but that his experience on February 21, 2013, was different from previous testing days. In particular, there were many more correctional officers being tested that day than on previous occasions, and the process varied from those previous occasions. Typically, the officers signed in at the front counter, and did not sign anything else until later. Respondent asserts that because of the greater number of officers being tested, the officers were given the labels to sign at the front counter before going back to be tested. “I didn’t sign my label because I have already previously signed it out front.” Respondent believes that the urine which tested positive is not his. On cross examination, Ms. Wolfe continued to maintain that the process she described in her testimony is the process she uses every day. She did not recall any variation in this process on any day, and stressed the importance of the donor watching her pour the sample and seal it, and of her watching the donor sign the label and chain of custody form in front of her. While the undersigned found Respondent’s testimony to be credible, it alone was not enough to overcome the clear and convincing evidence presented by Petitioner. That is, that the sample identified as Respondent’s tested positive for illegal substances. Respondent asserts that all previous random drug tests he has taken have been negative, and that he has a good employment record. No evidence was presented to indicate otherwise.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law set forth herein, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Criminal Justice Standards Commission enter a final order finding Respondent in violation of section 943.1395(7), as defined in Florida Administrative Code Rule 11B-27.0011(4)(d). It is further recommended that Respondent’s certification be suspended for a period of 120 days, followed by probation for a period of two years. As condition of probation, it is recommended that the Commission require random drug testing and substance abuse counseling, as contemplated by Florida Administrative Code Rule 11B- 27.005(7)(c). DONE AND ENTERED this 27th day of January, 2014, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S BARBARA J. STAROS Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 27th day of January, 2014. COPIES FURNISHED: Linton B. Eason, Esquire Florida Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Curtis R. Brungardt (Address of record) Jennifer Cook Pritt, Program Director Division of Criminal Justice Professionalism Services Florida Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Michael Ramage, General Counsel Florida Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302

Florida Laws (8) 112.0455120.56120.57893.03893.13943.13943.1395944.474
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