Elawyers Elawyers
Washington| Change
Find Similar Cases by Filters
You can browse Case Laws by Courts, or by your need.
Find 49 similar cases
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES vs. FOUR FREEDOMS MANOR, 80-001615 (1980)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 80-001615 Latest Update: Feb. 27, 1981

Findings Of Fact Sanitary Conditions Respondent's Administrator admitted that the garbage cans being used on January 3, 1980, were not in good condition or covered but thought the problem had been corrected with the use of dumpsters. Open dumpster lids occur from improper use by residents in the area. Respondent's Administrator also agreed that at the time of both surveys greasy pots and pans were on the shelf as though clean and ready for use. The Respondent generally discards pots/pans as they become unusable but had delayed replacement too long at the time of these two surveys. Dietary Deficiencies Ten Diet Deficiencies on January 3, 1980 Petitioner reviewed written diets, reviewed serving procedures and observed the noon meal. From these observations and calculations, Petitioner's Consulting Dietician concluded that ten patients on restricted diets received insufficient calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat on January 3, 1980. However, these calculations did not include the food and/or drinks received in the evening snack. The alleged deficiencies above were not discussed with Respondent's Consulting Dietician, who was not present during the January 3, 1980 survey, nor was Respondent advised of the purported problem until receiving the July 16, 1980 Complaint. At the time of the January 3, 1980 survey, Petitioner requested all dietary information but did not specifically inquire about evening snacks. On the other hand, Respondent did not furnish Petitioner with the "brown bags" used for evening snacks; the bags had written diet instructions on them. Respondent has changed its procedures so that daily diet calculations are on the same form. B. Written Menus, Meal Plans, Etc. - Both Surveys Respondent admitted it does not use all the diet forms and procedures that could be used or as suggested by Petitioner, and that there could be some discrepancies. However, Respondent contends its simple system provides the required information and control. For example, a diabetic diet calling for milk means skim milk, meat means lean meat, and one-half fat requirement is met by use of medium fat meat.

Recommendation From the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Administrative Complaints of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services be dismissed. DONE and RECOMMENDED this 19th day of January, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. H. E. SMITHERS Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 101, Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 19th day of January, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Leonard Helfand, Esquire Department of HRS Room 1040, Ruth Rhode Building 401 NW Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33128 Jorge A. Hernando, Administrator Four Freedoms Manor 42 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33139 ================================================================= AGENCY FINAL ORDER ================================================================= STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Peitioner, vs. CASE NO. 80-1615 80-1726 FOUR FREEDOMS MANOR, Respondent. /

Florida Laws (4) 400.102400.121400.141400.23
# 2
BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS vs. ROBERT E. WILLNER, 86-002054 (1986)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 86-002054 Latest Update: Jun. 07, 1989

Findings Of Fact Respondent's Exception A.1. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception A.2. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception B. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception C. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception D. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception E. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception F.1. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception F.2. is GRANTED. There is no competent substantial evidence in the record to support the finding, "It has nothing to do with thinness or girth of the Chinese people." Since the burden of proof is on the Petitioner, a lack of evidence by the Respondent on a point cannot be, itself, the basis for a finding of fact against Respondent. Respondent's Exception F.3. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception F.4. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception F.5. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception G.1. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception G.2. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception G.3. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception G.4. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exceptions H.1. through H.3. are REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception I.1. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception I.2. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception I.3. (first) is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception I.3. (second) through I.5. are REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception J.1. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception J.2. through J.3. are REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception J.4. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the arguments of the Petitioner. RULINGS ON EXCEPTIONS TO CONCLUSIONS OF LAW Respondent's Exception A.1. is REJECTED on the basis that the Hearing Officer's analysis is correct. The Board is authorized and required to rule on federal laws and rules, as well as Florida Statutes, such as Chapter 499, which set forth the requirements that licensed medical doctors must meet but which are not within the Medical Practice Act, Chapter 458, Florida Statutes. This Exception is also REJECTED based on the reasons set forth in the Petitioner's argument. Respondent's Exception A.2. is REJECTED based on the written argument of the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception A.3. is REJECTED based on the Department's oral argument and its written arguments to Exceptions A.1. and A.3. to the conclusions of law. Respondent's Exception B.1. is REJECTED based on the arguments set forth by Petitioner. Respondent's Exception C.1. is REJECTED for the reasons stated in the oral argument by the Petitioner and the written argument by the Petitioner in response to Exceptions in C.1 in Exceptions to Findings of Fact and C.1. in Exceptions to Conclusions of Law. Respondent's Exception D. is REJECTED for the reasons set forth by the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception E. is REJECTED for the reasons set forth by the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception F.1. is REJECTED for the reasons set forth by the Petitioner. Petitioner's reliance on the Rodgers case is misplaced because that case involved full informed consent of the patients and did not involve fraud. Respondent's Exception F.2. through F.3. are REJECTED based on the reasons set forth by the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception G.1. is REJECTED for the reasons set forth by the Petitioner. Respondent's Exception set forth as "IV. SUMMARY" is REJECTED as cummulative. See Rule 21M-18.004, Florida Administrative Code. RESPONDENT'S EXCEPTION TO PENALTY 1. Respondent's Exception to penalty is REJECTED. PENALTY Upon a complete review of the record in this case, the Board determines that the penalty recommended by the Hearing Officer be ACCEPTED and ADOPTED. WHEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that Respondent shall pay an administrative fine in the amount of $50,000.00 to the Executive Director within thirty days. Respondent's license to practice medicine in the State of Florida is SUSPENDED for a period of one year. Upon reinstatement from suspension, Respondent's license to practice medicine in the State of Florida is placed on PROBATION for a period of two years, subject to the special condition that Respondent pay $60,000.00 to the Department of Legal Affairs Division of General Legal Services, for use in consumer protection. This Order takes effect upon filing with the Clerk of the Department of Professional Regulation. DONE AND ORDERED this 17th day of August, 1989. BOARD OF MEDICINE FUAD S. ASHKAR, M.D. CHAIRMAN

Recommendation It is recommended that Dr. Willner be found guilty of ten counts of violation of the Medical Practice Act, that he be fined $50,000, and that his license be suspended for a period of one year, and that his licensure then be placed on probation for two years subject to the special condition that he pay $60,000 to the Department of Legal Affairs, Division of General Legal Services, for use in consumer protection. DONE and ORDERED this 7th day of June, 1989, in Tallahassee, Florida. WILLIAM R. DORSEY, JR. Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 7th day of June, 1989.

USC (9) 15 U.S.C 4521 CFR 130.12(a)(5)21 CFR 31221 CFR 330.1021 U.S.C 32121 U.S.C 33421 U.S.C 34321 U.S.C 35221 U.S.C 355 Florida Laws (17) 120.57120.60120.68130.12458.331499.002499.003499.007499.023499.03499.062500.02500.03500.04500.11501.204501.205 Florida Administrative Code (1) 2-1.005
# 5
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION vs SHADY REST CARE PAVILION, INC., D/B/A SHADY REST CARE PAVILION, 02-001291 (2002)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Fort Myers, Florida Mar. 29, 2002 Number: 02-001291 Latest Update: Mar. 19, 2003

The Issue Whether Shady Rest Care Pavilion, Inc. failed to maintain the nutritional status of one of its residents so as to justify the imposition of a conditional license rating upon the facility and an administrative fine of $2,500.

Findings Of Fact Based upon the testimony and evidence received at the hearing and the parties' stipulations, the following findings are made: Shady Rest is licensed by the Agency as a skilled nursing facility. Shady Rest's license number is SNF1497096. The Agency conducted an on-site survey of Shady Rest from July 30, 2001, to August 2, 2001. At the time of the survey, Shady Rest's licensure status was standard. The survey was conducted by a "team" that included dietitian Lori Riddle and other health care professionals. The survey team identified several deficiencies at the facility. The deficiencies were detailed on the Form 2567 which was provided to Shady Rest by the Agency. The only deficiency still at issue in this proceeding is the Tag F325 which was summarized on the Form 2567 as follows: Based on observations, clinical record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure that nutritional needs were met for 3 (Residents 11, 21 and 22) of 5 active sampled residents receiving tube feeding who were at high risk for malnutrition as evidenced by significant weight loss, low albumin and total protein levels and recurring pressure sores. The survey team classified the Tag F325 at Level "G" (i.e., isolated actual harm) on the federal scope and severity matrix, which corresponds to an isolated Class II deficiency under the Florida classification scheme. Based upon the cited Class II deficiency, the Agency issued a notice of intent to change Shady Rest's licensure status from standard to conditional, and the Agency initiated a separate action to impose an administrative fine upon Shady Rest. This proceeding followed. At the hearing, the Agency narrowed the focus of the alleged deficiency from the three residents identified on the Form 2567 to only one, Resident 11. No evidence or testimony was presented regarding any other residents. Resident 11 is a female. At the time of the survey, she was 89 years old, 64 inches (five feet, four inches) tall, and weighed 145 pounds. She has been at Shady Rest since 1987. A care plan for Resident 11 was developed by a "team" that included the director of nursing at Shady Rest, a nurse (Sonja Reece, R.N.), a dietitian (Ann Marie Shields, R.D.), two care plan coordinators, and social service and activity personnel. Members of the care plan team worked closely with Resident 11's physician, Dr. Lakshmi Bushan, to manage Resident 11's medical conditions. Dr. Bushan was actively involved with the care of Resident 11 and was very familiar with her conditions. Dr. Bushan was at the facility on a weekly basis and sometimes several times per week. Resident 11 is totally dependent on Shady Rest and its staff for the provision of nutrition. She is fed through a tube connected directly to her stomach. Resident 11 is a "very complex resident" as a result of a myriad of serious medical conditions, including heart attack, seizure disorder, edema (i.e., swelling of the tissues due to fluid retention), hiatal hernia with reflux, pemphagus (i.e., an autoimmune disease resulting in blisters around the body), congestion in the lungs which caused breathing problems, kidney disease, and liver problems. She was also prone to skin breakdown. The treatment of Resident 11 was complicated by the fact that management of one of her conditions would exacerbate another. For example, the Prednisone she was taking to treat her pemphagus increased her fluid retention and, hence, her edema; but, Lasix, the diuretic she was taking for the edema, caused her to have diarrhea which led to the breakdown of her skin from constant cleaning and put her at risk of dehydration and kidney failure. Resident 11's edema was at a dangerous level, referred to as "3+ pitting edema." Relieving the edema was determined to be of critical importance to Resident 11 by her physician. The fluid retention in Resident 11's lungs caused her to suffer from shortness of breath which could ultimately lead to congestive heart failure. Because Resident 11 did not respond well to Lasix and because it actually exacerbated her other medical problems (i.e., skin breakdown), a fluid reduction diet was deemed necessary by her physician. Resident 11 was overweight, partially due to her edema. Resident 11's weight contributed to and exacerbated her medical conditions, particularly her congestion and breathing problems, and it enhanced her risk of congestive heart failure. On April 3, 2001, Dr. Bushan ordered an evaluation of Resident 11's nutritional status and the adequacy of her tube feeding. Resident 11 weighed 163 pounds on that date. On April 4, 2001, Ms. Shields, performed the evaluation ordered by Dr. Bushan. Ms. Shields calculated the total calories per day (cal/day) needed by Resident 11 based upon a standard formula. She then subtracted 400 cal/day to take into account the weight loss desired by Dr. Bushan. Ms. Shields' calculation resulted in an estimated caloric need for Resident 11 of 1,100 to 1,200 cal/day. Because the feeding ordered at that time provided 1,125 cal/day, which was within the range computed by Ms. Shields, no changes were made to Resident 11's diet at that time. Resident 11 was, however, taken off Lasix at that time because it was not contributing significantly to her weight loss and it was putting her at risk for dehydration and kidney failure. Resident 11's weight dropped only slightly after the April 4, 2001, evaluation. On May 1, 2001, she weighed 159 pounds and on June 1, 2001, she weighed 158 pounds. Dr. Bushan wanted Resident 11 to lose more weight more rapidly to stabilize her serious medical conditions. Accordingly, on June 13, 2001, Dr. Bushan requested a dietary consultant to check the amount of Resident 11's tube feedings in order to implement a planned weight loss program to reduce Resident 11's weight to 145 to 150 pounds. Ms. Shields conducted the assessment on June 14, 2001, and after consulting with Resident 11's care plan team, she recommended to Dr. Bushan that Resident 11's caloric intake be reduced from 1,125 cal/day to 750 cal/day to accomplish the rapid and significant weight loss desired by Dr. Bushan. Dr. Bushan accepted Ms. Shield's recommendations and ordered the reduction in calories on June 14, 2001. On that date, Resident 11 weighed 158 pounds. Resident 11's care plan was updated on June 14, 2001, to reflect the goal of reducing her weight by not more than five pounds per week until she reached less than or equal to 150 pounds. The dietary change achieved the desired effect of rapidly reducing Resident 11's weight and stabilizing her medical conditions. Her weight records showed the following: Date June 20, 2001 Weight 153 June 27, 2001 153 July 4, 2001 152 July 11, 2001 153 July 18, 2001 152 July 25, 2001 n/a August 2, 2001 145 The dietary notes for August 1, 2001, indicate that Resident 11's "weight goal was met" and recommended a dietary change to increase Resident 11's caloric intake to 1,000 cal/day. The record does not include the doctor's order implementing that recommendation. However, by August 8, 2001, Resident 11's weight was at 151 pounds, suggesting that the dietary change was implemented. Between the June 14, 2001, dietary change and the August 2, 2001, survey, Resident 11 lost 13 pounds, which is an 8.2 percent weight loss. For the three-month period of May 1, 2001 through August 2, 2001, Resident 11 lost 14 pounds, which is an 8.8 percent weight loss. Resident 11's edema improved significantly during this period; it was no longer at the "3+ pitting edema" level. In this regard, some of Resident 11's weight loss is attributable to the elimination of retained fluids (i.e., reduction in her edema), which was a significant purpose of the weight loss program. The amount of the weight loss attributable to the fluid loss is not quantifiable. The federal guidelines discussing Tag F325, which the Agency's survey team uses in its evaluation of a facility, state that "weight loss (or gain) is a guide in determining nutritional status" and identify parameters to be used in evaluating the significance or severity of weight loss. The 8.8 percent weight loss experienced by Resident 11 over a three- month period would be considered "severe" based upon the parameters. The parameters in the federal guidelines specifically refer to "unplanned and undesired weight loss." By contrast, the weight loss experienced by Resident 11 was planned and desirable. It was directed by Dr. Bushan after Ms. Shield's dietary consultation in order to reduce Resident 11's fluid intake and her edema while also promoting rapid weight loss to minimize her congestion and related breathing problems. The estimated protein needs for Resident 11 were 53 to 57 grams per day. The protein that she was being given, both prior to and after the June 14, 2001, dietary change was within that range. Increasing Resident 11's protein to offset the calorie reduction was not considered a viable option for Resident 11 because her history showed that the more protein she received the more weight she gained. Moreover, too much protein could cause liver failure, which was a risk for Resident 11. When the body is not receiving enough calories, it can metabolize protein as a calorie source rather than for the purposes protein is normally used, such as health of the skin. Resident 11 experienced skin breakdown (i.e., pressure sores or decubitus ulcers) after the June 14, 2001, dietary change. The sores were very small in size and, consistent with Resident 11's past history, the sores healed quickly. Therefore, they are not indicative of a protein deficiency. Indeed, subsequent to the dietary change, Resident 11's skin turgor was good. The laboratory reports for Resident 11 showed her having low albumin levels after the dietary change. Low albumin is generally an indicator of insufficient protein in the body. However, as noted above, the rate at which Resident 11's skin healed suggests that she was getting sufficient protein. Resident 11's low albumin level, in and of itself, is not determinative of her nutritional status. Indeed, the federal guidelines provided to the survey team state: Because some healthy elderly people have abnormal laboratory values, and because abnormal values can be expected in some disease processes, do not expect laboratory values to be within normal ranges for all residents. Consider abnormal values in conjunction with the resident's clinical condition and baseline abnormal values. Even before the June 14, 2001, dietary change, Resident 11's albumin level was not within the normal range. Her abnormal albumin levels may have been the result of her liver problems. Dr. Bushan and the care plan team at Shady Rest managed Resident 11's care based upon their clinical observations of her in conjunction with their experience regarding what worked for her in the past, not simply based upon her laboratory values. They were constantly weighing standards of practice with what was actually happening with Resident 11.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Agency for Health Care Administration issue a final order which: Dismisses the Administrative Complaint against Shady Rest Care Pavilion in DOAH Case No. 02-1291; and Rescinds the notice of intent to assign conditional licensure status to Shady Rest Care Pavilion in DOAH Case No. 02-1965 and retains the facility's standard licensure status. DONE AND ENTERED this 26th day of August, 2002, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. T. KENT WETHERELL, II 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 26th day of August, 2002.

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57400.023400.121400.23
# 6
THE HEALTHCARE CENTER OF NAPLES, D/B/A THE ARISTOCRAT vs AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION, 02-000049 (2002)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Naples, Florida Jan. 02, 2002 Number: 02-000049 Latest Update: Feb. 21, 2003

The Issue The issue in this case is whether the alleged deficiency cited in the October 2001 survey report existed and, if so, whether the deficiency is sufficient to support the change in the Aristocrat's licensure status from standard to conditional.

Findings Of Fact The Agency is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating nursing facilities in the State of Florida under Part II, Chapter 400, Florida Statutes. The Aristocrat (The Aristocrat or facility) is a nursing home located at 10949 Parnu Street, in Naples, Florida, licensed by and subject to regulation by the Agency pursuant to Part II, Chapter 400, Florida Statutes. The Agency conducted an annual survey of The Aristocrat from October 8 through 10, 2001. The results of the survey are summarized in a report known as the 2567 report. The 2567 report identifies each alleged deficiency by reference to a tag number (“Tag”). Each Tag of the 2567 report includes a narrative description of the alleged deficiency and cites the relevant rule or regulation violated thereby. The Tag at issue in this proceeding is Tag F 325. Tag F 325 relates to quality of care and references 42 C.F.R. 483.25(i)(l), which requires that, “[b]ased on a resident’s comprehensive assessment, the facility must ensure that a resident maintains acceptable parameters of nutritional status, such as body weight and protein levels, unless the resident’s clinical condition demonstrates that this is not possible.” The standard in 42 C.F.R. 483.25(i)(1) is made applicable to nursing homes in Florida pursuant to Rule 59A- 4.1288, Florida Administrative Code. The Agency is required to rate the severity of any deficiency pursuant to the classification system outlined in Section 400.23(7), Florida Statutes. The Agency assigned a Class II rating to the deficiency as well as “scope and severity” of G pursuant to federal law. The state classification is at issue in this case. A Class II deficiency is one which “the agency determines has compromised the resident's ability to maintain or reach his or her highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, as defined by an accurate and comprehensive resident assessment, plan of care, and provision of services." Section 400.23(8)(b), Florida Statutes. When the Agency alleges that there is a Class II deficiency, as it did in this case, the Agency may change the facility’s licensure rating from standard to conditional. In accordance with its authority and discretion, based on the alleged Tag F 325 deficiency, the Agency changed The Aristocrat’s nursing home licensure rating from standard to conditional, effective October 10, 2001. During the October survey, an Agency surveyor reviewed the clinical records of six residents at The Aristocrat. The Tag F 325 deficiency was based on the Agency’s findings related to the records of one of those six residents and on interviews with facility staff. In order to protect the privacy of the nursing home resident who is the subject of the alleged deficiency, the Administrative Complaint, the 2567 report, and this Recommended Order refer to the resident by number rather than by name. As a result of the surveyors’ review of the records, the Agency determined that one of the residents, Resident 1, had a weight loss of 7.2 pounds between July 30, 2001, and August 11, 2001. The surveyors’ review of Resident 1’s records further reflected that she had a total weight loss of 13.5 pounds between July 30, 2001, and August 25, 2001. According to the resident’s weight records and nutritional assessment, which listed the resident’s usual body weight as 136 pounds, the surveyors considered the weight loss during the aforementioned periods to be significant. Once the surveyors concluded that Resident 1 had a significant weight loss, the surveyors had to determine whether the resident’s weight loss was avoidable. In making this determination, the surveyors had to determine whether the facility assessed the resident adequately, developed a care plan, implemented the care plan, and reevaluated the care plan. Applying the Agency’s protocol set forth in the above paragraph, the surveyors determined that the significant weight loss experienced by Resident 1 was avoidable. The Agency surveyors found that the facility failed to do the following: adequately assess and develop a plan of care to prevent Resident 1 from significant weight loss; assess and develop an adequate care plan after the resident had a significant weight loss of 5.3 percent of her body weight in less than two weeks; and adequately assess, evaluate and revise the care plan to address the resident’s significant weight loss of 9.9 percent of her body weight in less than a month. According to the 2567 report and the Administrative Complaint, the nutritional parameter that the Agency alleges the facility did not maintain for Resident 1 was weight loss. The Agency was concerned that Resident 1’s weight dropped from 136 pounds on July 30, 2001, to 128.8 pounds on August 11, 2001, which was a 5.3 percent loss of her body weight, upon admission to the facility. Also, the Agency was concerned that the resident’s weight dropped from 136 pounds on July 30, 2001, to 122.5 pounds on August 25, 2001, a 9.9 percent loss of her body weight, upon her admission to the facility. The Agency alleges that the failure to assess and develop an adequate care plan to address weight loss caused the referenced weight loss. Resident 1, a 92-year-old female, was admitted to The Aristocrat on July 30, 2001, at about 3:00 p.m. Her diagnosis included a left hip fracture, left shoulder fracture, atrial fibrillation, esophageal reflux, depression, bipolar disorder, hypertension, and chronic insomnia. John Patrick Lewis, M.D., was Resident 1’s treating physician at the time of and throughout her three-month stay at The Aristocrat. Upon Resident 1’s admission to the facility, Dr. Lewis had “great concern” about the resident’s atrial fibrillation because of her history of T.I.A.s (strokes). As a result of this concern, Dr. Lewis consulted with and reviewed the medical records of Dr. Drew, Resident 1’s primary physician. Resident 1's weight dropped from 136 pounds on July 30, 2001, to 134.8 pounds on July 31, 2001, to 133 pounds on August 4, 2001, to 128.8 pounds on August 11, 2001. Resident 1’s weight began to level off on August 15 or 16, 2001, when edema was no longer noted on her records. Thereafter, beginning on August 19, 2001, the resident’s weight began to stabilize. Resident 1 weighed 124.2 pounds on August 19, 2001; 122.5 pounds on August 25, 2001; 122.7 pounds on September 7, 2001; 121.2 pounds on September 14, 2001; 122.2 pounds on September 21, 2001; 121.6 pounds on September 28, 2001; and was 120.3 pounds on October 6, 2001. Resident 1 came to The Aristocrat days following major surgery of her hip after she suffered a fracture of her hip and shoulder. Resident 1 was hydrated with fluids prior to and/or during the operation to ensure that she maintained a good blood pressure. As a result thereof, at the time Resident 1 was admitted to The Aristocrat, she had an increased amount of fluids in her body and was over-hydrated. The over-hydration caused Resident 1 to have swelling, known as edema. Dr. Lewis testified that Resident 1's edema was actually third space fluids, which are fluids that go extravascularly into the soft tissues or into the peritoneal cavity. It typically takes a period of 7-14 days for that fluid to return to the intravascular compartment and then be urinated away. At the time of her admission at The Aristocrat and throughout her stay there, Resident 1 was on a medication known as Lasix, which is a diuretic that causes the body to urinate excess fluids. Lasix was included in Resident 1’s discharge orders from the hospital where she had surgery for her hip fracture and was never discontinued. In Dr. Lewis’ opinion, there was no need to discontinue the Lasix because the resident was never dehydrated during her stay at The Aristocrat. Moreover, Dr. Lewis is aware that in addition to being a diuretic, Lasix is sometimes prescribed for high blood pressure and this may have been another reason Lasix was included in the resident's discharge orders. The presence of edema in Resident 1 was clearly noted in her chart by facility staff at or near the time she was admitted to the facility. The reference to Resident 1's edema is included in the nurse’s notes dated July 30, 2001, nurse’s notes dated July 31, 2001, a registered dietician's note dated August 1, 2001, and a physical therapy note dated July 31, 2001. The nurse’s notes dated July 30, 2001, the date Resident 1 was admitted to the facility, state that “2 plus edema noted on left upper extremity.” Another document in Resident 1's chart, dated July 31, 2001, states, “2 plus edema on left hip, incision site.” The nutritional assessment dated August 1, 2001, two days after Resident 1 was admitted to the facility, notes edema in lower and upper extremities and “some weight loss expected.” Finally, a dietary note dated August 1, 2001, mentions Resident 1’s edema, but does not mention the location of the edema. The Aristocrat staff did not note Resident 1’s edema on her initial Minimum Data Set form (MDS) as preferred by the Agency. However, the resident’s edema was charted in several places in her records. The Agency’s surveyor acknowledged that Dr. Lewis saw Resident 1 on August 11, 2001, when her weight had dropped from 136 pounds to 128.8 pounds and did not instruct The Aristocrat’s staff to alter their approach to providing adequate nutrition to Resident 1. The reason Dr. Lewis did not order that any changes be made for Resident 1 on August 11, 2001, was that he believed that none were required or necessary in that “the majority of this weight loss was to be expected.” According to Dr. Lewis, “this weight loss [was] not unexpected due to her excessive hydration and third space fluids.” The Agency’s initial concern was Resident 1’s weight loss, during the period of July 30, 2001, through August 11, 2001, when she lost 7.2 pounds, or 5.3 percent of her weight at the time of her admission to the facility. Surveyors are instructed to use a resident’s “usual body weight” to make weight loss calculations. When calculating weight loss, the usual body weight is determined by considering the person’s weight through adult life. According to the state’s guidelines, an analysis of weight loss or gain should be examined in light of the individual’s former life style, as well as current diagnosis. The medical records of Dr. Drew, Resident 1’s primary physician, indicate that Resident 1 weighed 127 pounds on January 31, 2001, and weighed 125 pounds on June 8, 2001. In light of the undisputed fact that Resident 1 was over-hydrated at the time she weighed 136 pounds, it is reasonable to assume that her weight in the months and weeks prior to surgery would be more appropriate figures to use as the resident's usual body weight. Based on her 5'0" height, Resident 1's ideal weight was 100 pounds, the midpoint between the ideal weight range of 90 to 110 pounds for someone five feet tall. In fact, were 136 pounds Resident 1's true weight, she would be considered clinically obese. The Agency surveyor based his calculations that Resident 1 had a significant weight loss on the assumption that the resident’s usual body weight was 136 pounds. The surveyor obtained the 136-pound weight as the resident’s usual body weight from the facility’s nutritional assessment. The Aristocrat incorrectly listed the resident’s weight upon admission, 136 pounds, as her usual body weight. Even if it is assumed that the Agency reasonably relied on the facility’s records that note Resident 1’s usual weight as 136 pounds, the calculations using this weight are flawed because that is not Resident 1’s usual body weight. Had the Agency based its calculations relative to the resident’s weight loss on her usual body weight of 125 pounds, a drop in weight from 125 pounds to any of Resident 1's charted weights would not be “significant” according to surveyor guidelines. One can lose 10 pounds of water weight in just a couple of days but one must burn calories to lose body weight. There are 3,500 calories in a pound. Therefore, in order lose one pound of body mass, a person would need to burn 3,500 calories. Resident 1 lost one pound each day for the first three days she was at The Aristocrat. In order to lose three pounds of body mass, Resident 1 would need to burn 10,500 calories. At the time of her admission to The Aristocrat, Resident 1 was 92 years old and, for the first two weeks she was at the facility, was bed-bound, with a fractured hip and shoulder. Given Resident 1’s condition, it is reasonable to assume that she burned minimal calories. It was physiologically impossible for Resident 1 to lose true body weights in the amounts quoted in the 2567 report. Resident 1 dropped from 136 pounds down to 134.8 pounds the next day and then down to 133 pounds the following day. Because it is impossible to lose a pound of actual body weight in one day, the recorded weight loss for Resident 1 was too rapid to be true weight loss. Rather, the resident's initial weight loss was the result of a decrease in her edema. In determining that Resident 1 had a significant weight loss during the period of July 30 and August 11, 2001, the Agency surveyors based their calculations on an inaccurate usual body weight for the resident. Moreover, the Agency did not consider that the resident had edema and was taking Lasix, a diuretic, and that part of the weight loss could have been water weight. In fact, the 2567 report does not mention that the resident’s chart or records indicate that Resident 1 had edema and that a weight loss could be expected as the edema decreases. The Agency’s explanation for not doing so was that the facility’s records did not indicate or assess the amount of edema Resident 1 had upon her admission. Even though Resident 1 was edematous, the facility staff appropriately addressed her weight issues and immediately began implementing nutritional interventions. There are a number of complex factors at play in the selection and timing of appropriate interventions for a given resident. For example, there is a "warm-up time" to see how a new resident will adjust to the facility. It is not unusual for new residents to experience problems as a result of being in a new environment. However, after a couple of weeks, many of the new residents resolve their relocation issues and adjust to their new environment. During the period of July 30 through August 11, 2001, The Aristocrat’s staff engaged in numerous activities, which assessed Resident 1 from a nutritional standpoint, and immediately implemented interventions to enable her to maintain as much weight as possible. On July 31, 2001, the day after Resident 1 was admitted to the facility, the occupationa1 therapy staff evaluated Resident 1 to determine the level of supervision and set up assistance she needed while eating. On August 1, 2001, two days after Resident 1 was admitted to The Aristocrat, the facility’s registered dietician assessed Resident 1 and, as noted in paragraph 23, above, indicated that some weight loss would be expected as her edema decreased. That same day, the facility’s registered dietician reviewed some of the resident’s lab values that had been taken at the hospital from which Resident 1 had been released and also ordered a multi-vitamin for the resident. On August 2, 2001, the day after the registered dietician completed a nutritional assessment of Resident 1, the facility’s dietary manager met with Resident 1 to assess her food preferences and find out her likes and dislikes. During this meeting, the dietary manager learned that Resident 1 wanted coffee, with four packs of sugar, with all of her meals and a danish at breakfast. The danish is considered a specialty food and is not one usually provided on a daily basis to residents in nursing home facilities such as The Aristocrat. However, upon learning of Resident 1’s food preferences, the facility immediately began providing her with a danish with her breakfast each morning and coffee with four sugars with each meal. The facility’s providing Resident 1 with the foods she requested was an appropriate intervention that honored her preferences. The assessment described in paragraph 42 is consistent with the acceptable industry standard concerning nutritional issues of new residents. That standard requires facilities to analyze the resident for a number of days, determine their food preferences, and see if their nutritional and/or caloric needs can be met through food first. As such, using specialty foods such as a danish and coffee with sugar are appropriate interventions, which honored the resident's preferences. Two additional assessments were performed within a week of Resident 1’s admission to the facility. First, on August 5, 2001, a restorative assessment was completed which addressed Resident 1's ability to use utensils and open her food. The next day, the speech therapy unit of the facility completed a swallowing screening that assessed Resident 1's dysphagia and ability to swallow. Throughout the month of August, including August 11, 2001, and prior thereto, nurse’s notes regularly included information concerning Resident 1’s appetite, food intake, necessary and/or recommended interventions, and other nutritional issues. For example, prior to August 12, 2001, at least two nurse’s notes indicated that Resident 1’s appetite was fair and another nurse’s note indicated that her appetite was poor. Two of the nurse’s notes for this time period indicated that that the resident needed encouragement with oral intake. In addition to the aforementioned interventions implemented by The Aristocrat’s staff during August 2001, Dr. Lewis intervened numerous times with Resident 1. Because Resident 1's room was near the front of the facility, every time Dr. Lewis went into the facility he walked by her room and encouraged her to eat. Dr. Lewis also had numerous conversations with Resident 1's family to have them bring home cooked food that she would enjoy eating. To the extent that Resident 1 did not maintain “acceptable” parameters of nutritional status, the weight loss was attributable to Resident 1's clinical condition and not any failure on the part of The Aristocrat’s staff. In addition to Resident 1's having edema, she had other clinical issues that may have contributed to her weight loss. These clinical conditions involve the resident's behavioral and emotional problems and certain medication that the resident was taking to relieve the pain she was experiencing following her surgery. A person's behavior and emotional problems can have a considerable impact on the resident’s appetite and eating patterns. For example, a person, such as Resident 1, who suffered from depression and a bipolar disorder, may have a low appetite. In this case, Resident 1 suffered from depression and a bipolar disorder. These conditions may likely have been exacerbated by the resident's having to leave the assisted living facility in which she had lived prior to her surgery, going to a hospital for surgery, and, after being released from the hospital, having to be admitted to yet another nursing facility, The Aristocrat. Resident 1 exhibited behavior problems from the beginning of her stay at The Aristocrat, as documented in her records. During the first two weeks that Resident 1 was at the facility, staff of The Aristocrat documented some of the behaviors that the resident was exhibiting. The resident's MDS dated August 8, 2001, and the MDS dated August 13, 2001, indicate that Resident 1 was experiencing mood and behavior problems, on a daily basis, as reflected in her verbal expressions. Resident 1's August 5, 2001, Social Work Assessment Report indicated that Resident 1 made negative statements almost daily and wanted to return to the assisted living facility. The Social Work Assessment Report described the resident's medical conditions that interfered with her relationship skills as "sad mood, melancholy, anxieties, fear, [and] relocation issues." With regard to the resident's relationship involvement patterns, the report indicates that Resident 1 prefers solitude. The Social Work Assessment Report of August 27, 2001, confirmed that Resident 1 made negative statements almost daily and was anxious and angry. The assessment report also noted that Resident 1 was in an unpleasant mood in the morning almost daily, that Resident 1 withdrew from activities almost daily and exhibited reduced social interaction almost daily. The same document indicated that Resident 1 preferred solitude, and demonstrated a sad mood, melancholy, anxieties, fear, and relocation issues. The Behavior/Intervention Monthly Flow Chart Record for August 15 through August 31, 2001, indicates that Resident 1 yelled at staff and was uncooperative. Finally, the care plan priority document for Resident 1 dated August 30, 2001, indicated that her anxiety may be secondary to anger, that her anger was persistent, and that she was verbally abusive to staff. Undoubtedly, Resident 1's behavior and mood could have likely affected and inhibited her appetite, and, thus, contributed to some of the resident's weight loss. Yet, despite the facility’s documentation concerning the resident's behavioral issues, the Agency apparently did not consider either the documentation or the statements by facility staff during the survey that Resident 1's behaviors interfered with some of the attempted nutritional interventions. Another factor that may have contributed to the amount of food Resident 1 ate while at the facility was the medication she was taking. Resident 1 was on a regimen of Darvocet, a narcotic and pain medication, prescribed to help manage the pain she was experiencing as a result of the surgery and/or the hip and left shoulder fracture. Darvocet is a medication that inhibits a person's appetite. In this case, Resident 1 took approximately 30 doses of the narcotic pain reliever Darvocet during the first 10 or 12 days she was at The Aristocrat. Therefore, it is very likely that as a result of Resident 1's taking Darvocet, her appetite was inhibited and she ate less food than she may otherwise have eaten. The Aristocrat’s staff provided numerous interventions for Resident 1 during her first 21 days in the nursing home. They analyzed her weight and food intake through the dietary and nursing units. They offered to assist her with intake and encouraged her to eat. For example, CNA flow sheets for the month of August indicate that food and fluid were offered to Resident 1 approximately 10 times per day, usually five times during the 7-3 shift and five times during the 3-11 shift, every day. This was in addition to her regular meals, specialty foods such as coffee and danish and nutritional supplements. The snacks offered to Resident 1 were foods such as crackers and juice. Staff continually assessed Resident 1's needs and added interventions throughout her stay. A "significant change" MDS was completed on August 13, 2001, which related to Resident 1's percentage of meals eaten and weight loss. On August 14, 2001, The Aristocrat’s staff completed a behavior flow record that addressed Resident 1's uncooperativeness. On or about August 15, 2001, the facility developed a care plan for Resident 1 that included concerns about her weight loss after the initial weight loss due to resident’s loss of "water weight." The nutritional care plan included numerous approaches such as providing increased calories and encouraging intake of diet supplements and fluid. A nursing note of August 16, 2001, indicated that Resident 1's appetite was fair but improved to quite good while a note dated August 20, 2001, indicated that Resident 1 felt she was not getting good food. Staff discussed Resident 1's many dietary dislikes at a weight meeting on August 22, 2001. In order to increase the resident’s caloric intake, the dietary manager added ice cream to Resident 1’s diet at lunch and dinner. On or about August 23, 2001, Dr. Lewis ordered Medpass, a nutritional supplement, for Resident 1. Pursuant to the order, the resident had two 120cc of the supplement daily. Each 120cc of Medpass has 240 calories. Five days later, on August 28, 2001, Dr. Lewis increased the amount of Medpass Resident 1 was to receive from two 120cc of Medpass to four 120cc of Medpass each day. This order was immediately implemented. The goal of the nursing home is to provide 2,000 calories per day to a resident through food. After the first two weeks Resident 1 was at the facility, she consumed an average of 50 percent of her meals, which equaled approximately 1,000 calories per day. In addition, Resident 1 received 300 calories from her daily danish, 240 calories from her coffee with sugar, 300 calories from her daily ice cream, and 480 from Medpass, a nutritional supplement. This equaled an additional 1,020 calories from the “non-diet” portion of her food consumption and exceeded the 1,600 to 1,800 calories per day that Agency believed Resident 1 needed. The number of calories was increased an additional 480 calories, on or about August 28, 2001, after Resident 1 began receiving four 120cc of Medpass. The Agency alleged at hearing that the facility failed to ensure that Resident 1's estimated protein needs were being met. In determining a person's estimated protein needs, it is clinically appropriate to base such needs on the person's ideal weight. In light of that approach, Resident 1 would have needed approximately 59 grams of protein per day. The meal consumption estimates do not reflect whether the resident ate only one food item or a portion of each item. However, given that the resident's diet had approximately 100 grams of protein and that she consumed approximately 50 percent of her diet, it is reasonable to conclude that her protein needs were met. Most of the time Resident 1 was at the facility, she was eating “fair” which is generally considered that she was eating about 50-75 percent of her meals. Given Resident 1's consumption of her 2,000-calorie diet plus supplements, it is reasonable to conclude that she maintained adequate parameters of nutritional status. The Aristocrat’s staff began interventions for Resident 1 from the day she was admitted to the facility. The staff analyzed her needs and provided her with a supplementation of calories by August 1, 2001. Staff continually assessed Resident 1's needs and added additional interventions throughout her stay at the facility. Two of the more aggressive interventions included obtaining a psychological consultation for Resident 1 and ordering an appetite stimulant for her. The Agency indicated that The Aristocrat should have implemented these more aggressive interventions much earlier than it did in order prevent Resident 1 from losing weight. Contrary to this position, it is not likely that these interventions would have prevented the resident’s initial weight loss that occurred between July 30 and August 11, 2001, because the weight loss was water weight. Dr. Lewis waited until September 13, 2001, to order Megace for Resident 1 because he wanted to give other interventions a chance to work. Also, Megace is an appetite stimulant that can cause liver toxicity. Because of the known side effects of Megace, Dr. Lewis used this approach only as a “last-ditch alternative.” With regard to the psychological consultation, the facility delayed this intervention although the staff was aware of and had noted the resident’s behavior problems soon after she was admitted. The consultation was appropriately delayed to give the resident a chance to adjust to her new environment and to first attempt more conservative measures. Moreover, in this case, Dr. Lewis testified that he recalled that, initially, there may have been some opposition from Resident 1's family regarding a psychological consultation. Resident 1 maintained “adequate” nutritional parameters while at The Aristocrat. To the extent that she may not have maintained "adequate" nutritional parameters during the first almost two weeks at the facility, Resident 1's clinical condition made her initial weight loss unavoidable. Signs or symptoms that a person has been nutritionally compromised include the development of pressure sores and malnourishment, dehydration, dull eyes, and/or swollen lips. In this case, Resident 1 did not exhibit any clinical signs of malnourishment, dehydration, or pressure sores. Moreover, Resident 1 suffered no harm as a result of the initial or subsequent weight loss noted in the 2567 report. The Agency’s reason for changing the facility's licensure rating from standard to conditional is based on its conclusion that the weight loss experienced by Resident 1 was avoidable. The Agency's policy is that if there is an avoidable weight loss, there is harm, with or without a determination that there is actual harm to the resident. The credible testimony of Dr. Lewis was that Resident 1 recovered “very successfully from two major fractures, even in the setting of depression and advanced age.” At the end of Resident 1's stay at the facility she was ambulating on her own with a walker and performing some of her own activities of daily living; and after approximately three months in the facility, the resident returned to the assisted living facility where she previously lived.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Agency for Health Care Administration enter a final order issuing a standard license rating to The Aristocrat and rescinding the conditional license rating. DONE AND ENTERED this 14th day of August, 2002, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. CAROLYN S. HOLIFIELD 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 14th day of August, 2002. COPIES FURNISHED: Virginia A. Daire, Agency Clerk Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive Fort Knox Building, Suite 3431 Tallahassee, Florida 32308 William Roberts, Acting General Counsel Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive Fort Knox Building, Suite 3431 Tallahassee, Florida 32308 Dennis L. Godfrey, Esquire Agency for Health Care Administration 525 Mirror Lake Drive, North Room 310L St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 Michael S. Howard, Esquire Gallagher & Howard, P.A. Post Office Box 2722 Tampa, Florida 33602-4935

CFR (2) 42 CFR 483.25(i)(1)42 CFR 483.25(i)(l) Florida Laws (4) 120.569120.57400.121400.23
# 7
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION vs B AND B ICE COMPANY, INC., 92-004804 (1992)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tampa, Florida Aug. 05, 1992 Number: 92-004804 Latest Update: Apr. 05, 1993

The Issue Whether Petitioner properly imposed an administrative fine against the Respondent for allowing one of its vehicles to be operated in violation of a posted load limit.

Findings Of Fact On May 2, 1992, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Petitioner, by its inspection and compliance officer, Rebecca Stalnaker, stopped the Respondent's driver, Jeffrey Leo Speak (Speak) who was operating one of Respondent's vehicles on Lumsden Road in the City of Brandon, Hillsborough County, Florida. Lumsden Road in Brandon, where Respondent's vehicle was stopped, is a low load limit roadway and signs designating the roadway as such, were properly posted. The low load limit posting is relatively new in the area. Petitioner began issuing traffic citations to the vehicular traffic on Lumsden Road for violating the posted load limits during 1992. Petitioner's weight and safety officers began enforcing the posted limits after receiving numerous complaints from residents in the neighboring area around Lumsden Road about non-compliance with the posted weight limits. Petitioner issued a series of warnings to vehicular traffic during early 1992 for vehicles which were traversing the road weighing more than the posted load limits. Those motorists were warned that after April 30, 1992, administrative fines would be imposed against vehicles which exceeded the posted load limits. Speak was unaware that Lumsden Road was a low load limit roadway and he advised Petitioners agent, Rebecca Stalnaker, of his lack of knowledge. This was so, despite the fact that agent Stalnaker followed him past one of the posted load limit signs. There are alternate routes for vehicular traffic to travel in the area of Lumsden Road including a main thoroughfare one mile to the North, i.e., State Road 60. The posted and legal weight limit for Lumsden Road is 5 tons (10,000 pounds). Respondent's vehicle had a gross weight of 50,250 pounds or 40,250 pounds over the posted limit. As a result, agent Stalnaker imposed an administrative fine of .05 per pound for each pound that Respondent's vehicle exceeded the posted limit or $2,012.50. Agent Stalnaker weighed Respondent's vehicle alongside the roadway using authorized portable scales. She followed Petitioner's usual and approved procedures for weighing vehicles. During times material, the Board has considered and ruled on eleven cases similar to the instant case. Of the eleven cases, seven drivers/owners were afforded relief in the form of waiving all fines except the minimum of $500.00 for driving vehicles with loads that exceeded the posted limits. After April 30, 1992, the Board adopted a policy indicating that no relief would be given to vehicular traffic traversing the area of Lumsden Road as the "window of opportunity" had passed for vehicular traffic to be informed of the low load limit designation on Lumsden Road. The Board has discretion to waive, modify or cancel the imposition of administrative fines levied against vehicles for exceeding the posted load limits.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that: Petitioner enter a Final Order imposing an administrative fine against Respondent in the amount of $1,006.25. 1/ DONE and ENTERED this 13th day of January, 1993, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL 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 13th day of January, 1993.

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
# 10

Can't find what you're looking for?

Post a free question on our public forum.
Ask a Question
Search for lawyers by practice areas.
Find a Lawyer