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BOARD OF NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATORS vs. ROBERT ALLEN MAURER, 89-001862 (1989)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 89-001862 Latest Update: Oct. 11, 1989

The Issue The issue for determination is whether Respondent committed violations of Section 468.1755, Florida Statutes, as alleged in an Administrative Complaint dated October 7, 1988, and if so, what discipline should be taken against his nursing home administrator's license.

Findings Of Fact Respondent, Robert Allen Maurer, is a licensed nursing home administrator, holding State of Florida license number NH 0002026. He is currently employed by Central Park Lodges, Inc., as a corporate administrator out of the corporate offices in Sarasota, Florida. From July 19, 1985, until February 9, 1989, Robert Maurer was the administrator at Central Park Lodges' retirement center and nursing home facility, Central Park Village, in Orlando, Florida. On April 28, 29 and 30, 1986, Grace Merifield and other staff from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) Office of Licensure and Certification conducted their first annual inspection of Central Park Village. Ms. Merifield is an RN Specialist and licensed registered nurse. Ms. Merifield found several licensing rule violations, including the following, and noted them on a deficiency report form: NURSING SERVICES NH127 3 of 3 bowel or bladder retraining program patients charts reviewed lacked documentation of a formal retraining program being provided. The documentation lacked progress or lack of progress towards the retraining goal, ie., in the care plan, nurses notes or the monthly summaries. 10D-29.l08(5)(b), FAC, Rehabilitative and Restorative Nursing Care. DIETARY SERVICES NH193 1) Stainless steel polish containing toxic material was observed in the dishwasher area. Bulk ice cream and cartons of frozen foods were stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer. 10D-29.110(3)(g)1, FAC, Sanitary Conditions INFECTION CONTROL NH448 Infection control committee had not insured acceptable performance in that the following was observed: After a dressing change the nurse failed to wash her hands; three nurses failed to cover the table they were working off, one nurse used the bedstand along with the syringe for a tube feeding resident and returned the supplies to medical cart or medical room, cross contaminating the supplies. Floors of utility rooms were observed with dead bugs unmopped for two days of the survey. Syringe unlabeled and undated. Urinals and graduates unlabeled. Clean linen placed in inappropriate areas and soiled linen on floors, laundry bucket overflowing being pushed down the hall. 10D-29.123(2), FAC, Infection Control Committee (Petitioner's Exhibit #3) During the survey, Robert Maurer, as Administrator, and other nursing home staff met with the inspection team, took partial tours with them and participated in exit interviews, wherein the deficiencies were cited and recommendations were made for corrections. The infection control deficiencies required immediate correction, the dietary services deficiencies required correction by May 5, 1986, and the other deficiencies were to be corrected by May 30, 1986. On July 14, 1986, Ms. Merifield returned to Central Park Village for reinspection and found that most of the violations had been corrected. These, however, still remained: Stainless steel polish containing toxic materials was found in the dishwashing area, a violation of Rule 10D-29.110(3)(g)(1), Florida Administrative Code; Bulk ice cream and frozen food was stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer, and one of the five gallon ice cream container lids was completely off, exposing the ice cream, a violation of Rule 10D-29.110(3)(g)(1), Florida Administrative Code; Three out of three bowel or bladder retraining program program charts of residents reviewed lacked documentation, from all shifts of nurses, of a formal retraining program where progress or a lack of progress should be documented, a violation of Rule 10D-29.108(5)(b), Florida Administrative Code; The infection control committee had not insured acceptable performance, a violation of Rule 10D-29.123(2), Florida Administrative Code, in that: two nurses failed to properly cover the bedside table they were working from and cross contaminated dressing supplies; urinals and graduates were unlabeled; clean linen was placed in inappropriate areas, soiled linen was in the bathroom basin, and laundry buckets were overflowing with soiled linens in two utility rooms. After the survey in April, the facility was given a conditional license. That was changed to a standard license in October, 1986, when another inspection was conducted and no deficiencies were found. The following April, in 1987, the facility was given, and still maintains, a superior license. All of the deficiencies noted in April and July 1986 were class III, the least serious class of deficiencies, denoting an indirect or potential threat to health and safety. Deficiencies in Classes I and II are considered life-threatening or probably threatening. The number of deficiencies found at Central Park Village was not unusual. After the April inspection and before the July inspection, Robert Maurer took steps to remedy the deficiencies. Although the staff already had in-service training, additional training was given. Mr. Maurer met with the food service director and was told that a delivery had been made the morning of inspection, but that items had not been placed on the shelves by the stockman. Some of the food items had been left out to be discarded. Prior to the case at issue here, no discipline has been imposed against Robert Maurer's nursing home administrator's license.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is hereby, RECOMMENDED That a final order be entered finding Respondent guilty of a violation of Section 468.1755(1)(m), F.S., with a letter of guidance from the Probable Cause Panel of the Board. DONE AND RECOMMENDED this 11th day of October, 1989, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. MARY CLARK 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 11th day of October, 1989. APPENDIX The following constitute specific rulings on the findings of fact proposed by the parties: PETITIONER'S PROPOSED FINDINGS 1. and 2. Adopted in paragraph 1. Adopted in paragraph 2. Adopted in paragraph 3. Adopted in part in paragraph 5. Some of the deficiencies had to be corrected before the 30-day deadline. and 7. Adopted in paragraph 6. RESPONDENT'S PROPOSED FINDINGS Adopted in paragraph 1. Adopted in part in paragraph 1. Petitioner's exhibits #1 and #2 and Respondent's testimony at transcript, pages 54 and 55, establish that he was administrator from 1985-1989. Adopted in paragraph 2. Adopted in paragraph 6. Rejected as inconsistent with the evidence, including Respondent's testimony. Adopted in paragraph 6. Rejected as contrary to the evidence. Adopted in paragraph 9. through 11. Rejected as contrary to the weight of evidence. 12. and 13. Adopted or addressed in paragraph 8. 14. and 15. Adopted in paragraph 7. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Victoria Raughley, Esquire Dept. of Professional Regulation 1940 N. Monroe St., Suite 60 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0792 R. Bruce McKibben, Jr., Esquire P.O. Box 10651 Tallahassee, FL 32302 Mildred Gardner Executive Director Dept. of Professional Regulation Board of Nursing Home Administrators 1940 N. Monroe St., Suite 60 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0792 Kenneth E. Easley, General Counsel Dept. of Professional Regulation 1940 N. Monroe St., Suite 60 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0792

Florida Laws (6) 120.57400.062455.225468.1645468.1655468.1755
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BOARD OF NURSING vs CECIL HAROLD FLOYD, 97-004083 (1997)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Largo, Florida Sep. 03, 1997 Number: 97-004083 Latest Update: Jul. 06, 2004

The Issue Whether Respondent engaged in unprofessional conduct and, if so, what penalty should be imposed on his nursing license.

Findings Of Fact The Department of Health is the state agency charged with regulating the practice of nursing pursuant to Chapter 464, Florida Statutes. Respondent, Cecil Harold Floyd, was at all times material hereto a licensed practical nurse in the State of Florida, having been issued a license numbered PN 0960631. At all times material hereto, Respondent was employed as a licensed practical nurse by the North Shore Senior Adult Community in St. Petersburg, Florida. At all times material hereto, Respondent was assigned to care for Patient M.F., a patient in the skilled nursing section of the North Shore Senior Adult Community. On February 26-27, 1996, Respondent worked as the charge nurse on the 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift. On February 27, 1996, at approximately 6:00 a.m., Respondent wrote in the nurse's notes that Patient M.F. was lethargic and having difficulty swallowing; that the patient's bottom dentures were out; and that the patient's tongue was over to the right side. In this entry, Respondent also noted "will continue to monitor." After Respondent completed his shift on February 27, 1996, Conchita McClory, LPN, was the charge nurse in the skilled nursing facility at North Shore Senior Adult Community. At about 8:10 a.m., Nurse McClory was called by the CNA who was attempting to wake up Patient M.F. Upon Nurse McClory's entering Patient M.F.'s room, she observed that the patient was sleeping, incontinent, and restless and that the right side of the patient's face was dropping. Based on these observations, Nurse McClory believed that Patient M.F. may have suffered a stroke and she immediately called 911. Following the 911 call, Patent M.F. was taken to Saint Anthony's Hospital in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Prior to coming to this country, Conchita McClory had been trained and worked as a registered nurse in the Philippines. However, Ms. McClory is not licensed as a registered nurse in the State of Florida. Saint Anthony's Hospital's records regarding Patient M.F. indicate that the patient had a history of multiple strokes beginning in 1986. The Department’s Administrative Complaint against Respondent included the following factual allegations, all of which were alleged to have occurred on February 27, 1996: At approximately 6:00 a.m., Respondent recorded in the nurse’s notes that Patient M.F. was lethargic and having difficulty swallowing; the patient's bottom dentures were out; and the patient's tongue was over to the right side. Respondent also noted in the nurses' notes that Patient M.F. should continue to be monitored. Patient M.F.'s roommate told Respondent that she believed that M.F. had suffered a stroke because she could not swallow and her speech was slurred. At about 8:00 a.m., Patient M.F.'s roommate went to the nurses' station and requested that a certified nurse's assistant check on M.F. Patient M.F. was found paralyzed on her left side, soaked in urine and unable to speak. There was no evidence presented to support the factual allegations referenced in paragraph 9b and 9c above and included in the Administrative Complaint.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Health, Board of Nursing, enter a final order dismissing the Administrative Complaint against Respondent. DONE AND ENTERED this 6th day of October, 1999, 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 6th day of October, 1999. COPIES FURNISHED: Howard M. Bernstein, Esquire Agency for Health Care Administration Allied Health - Medical Quality Assistance 2727 Mahan Drive, Building 3 Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403 Cecil Harold Floyd 1680 25th Avenue, North St. Petersburg, Florida 33713-4444 Ruth Stiehl, Executive Director Board of Nursing Department of Health 4080 Woodcock Drive, Suite 202 Jacksonville, Florida 32207 Angela T. Hall, Agency Clerk Department of Health 2020 Capital Circle, Southeast, Bin A02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 Pete Peterson, General Counsel Department of Health 2020 Capital Circle, Southeast, Bin A02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701

Florida Laws (3) 120.569120.57464.018 Florida Administrative Code (1) 64B9-8.005
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ANGELL CARE OF HIALEAH, INC., D/B/A HIALEAH CONVALESCENT HOME vs. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, 86-000578 (1986)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 86-000578 Latest Update: Aug. 26, 1986

Findings Of Fact Petitioner, Angell Care of Hialeah, Inc., d/b/a Hialeah Convalescent Home (Hialeah), is a nursing home licensed under the authority of Chapter 400, Florida Statutes. On April 26, 1985, Hialeah submitted its license renewal application to the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (Department), to renew its nursing home license for license year August 1, 1985 to July 31, 1986. The Department issued Hialeah Standard License No. 2134; however, by letter of September 30, 1985, the Department cancelled Hialeah's standard license, and replaced it with Conditional Rating License No. C-985. The Department's action was premised on its assertion that the results of a survey concluded by its Office of Licensure and Certification on August 1, 1985, established a conditional rating. Hialeah filed a timely request for formal administrative review of the Department's action. Hialeah asserted that the Department's action downgrading its license from standard to conditional was unwarranted and that, as opposed to a standard rating, it was entitled to a superior rating. At hearing, the parties stipulated that if this de novo review of the Department's action, which was premised on the deficiencies found in the survey conducted by its Office of Licensure and Certification, resulted in a finding that Hialeah was qualified to receive a standard rating, as opposed to a conditional rating, then it should receive a superior rating. Accordingly, the issues in this case are resolved to the validity of the deficiencies noted by the Office of Licensure and Certification. Deficiencies noted by the Department: Pertinent to these proceedings, 1/ the survey conducted by the Department's Office of Licensure and Certification classified the deficiencies noted at Hialeah into ten major categories, and listed the deficient nursing home licensure requirement number (NH) and applicable statutory or code provision violated, 2/ as follows: Administration and Management (1) NH 3 10D-29.104(1)(b), F.A.C. (2) NH 21 10D-29.104(5)(d)1g, F.A.C. (3) NH 25 10D-29.104(5)(d)4, F.A.C. (4) NH 26 10D-29.104(5)(d)5, F.A.C. Patient Care Policies NH 57 10D-29.106(2), F.A.C. Physician Services (1) NH 60 10D-29.107(2)C, F.A.C. Nursing Services (1) NH 77 10D-29.108(3)(c)16, F.A.C. (2) NH 80 10D-29.108(5)(b)6, 13, 15a & b, 16b & i, F.A.C. Dietary Services (1) NH 125 10D-29.110(3)(g)2; 10D-13.24(1)(4), F.A.C. Maintenance (1) NH 352 10D-29.122(1)(a), F.A.C. (2) NH 357 10D-29.122(1)(f), F.A.C. Infection Control (1) NH 365 10D-29.123(3)(a), F.A.C. Disaster Preparedness (1) NH 404 10D-29.126(5), F.A.C. Statutory Requirements (1) NH 405 Section 400.165, Fla. Stat. Life-Safety (1) NH 241 10D-29.119, F.A.C. (2) NH 250 10D-29.119, F.A.C. (3) NH 251 10D-29.119, F.A.C. (4) NH 269 10D-29.119, F.A.C. (5) NH 273 10D-29.119, F.A.C. (6) NH 277 10D-29.119, F.A.C. (7) NH 295 10D-29.121(10)(e), F.A.C. With the exception of the deficiencies listed for NH 3 (administration and management), NH 60 (physician services), and NH 250, NH 251, NH 269, NH 277, and NH 295 (life safety), Hialeah concedes that the deficiencies noted by the Department were appropriate. 3/ Accordingly, resolution of the question of which rating should be accorded Hialeah is dependent upon the propriety of seven disputed deficiencies. The Administration and Management Deficiency: The deficiency noted as NH 3 found: The provision for the resident's rights to privacy during treatment and care was not routinely adhered to. On the morning of July 24, 1985, staff members were observed attending to residents in rooms 7 and 8 of the Center Court while other residents were in the rooms and without the use of the portable privacy curtains. Chapter 400, Part 1, F.S. 10D-29.104(1)(6), F.A.C. Section 400.022(1)(h), Florida Statutes, accords a nursing home resident a right to privacy during treatment and care. Hialeah's failure to use available portable privacy curtains while patients were being bathed violated their right to privacy, and NH 3 was properly cited. The Physician Services Deficiency: The deficiency noted as NH 60 found: There was no documented evidence to verify that staff incident reports were reviewed by the Medical Director. 10D-29.107(2)C, F.A.C. Rule 10D-29.107(2), F.A.C., provides in pertinent part: Responsibilities of the Medical Director . . . shall include, at a minimum, the following: * * * (c) Reviewing reports of all accidents or unusual incidents occurring on the premises and identifying to the facility Administrator hazards to health and safety . . . . The proof in this case established that the Medical Director did review all incident reports; Rule 10D-29.107(2), F.A.C., does not require documentation. Accordingly, deficiency NH 60 was not substantiated. The Life-safety Deficiencies: The life-safety surveyor noted the following disputed deficiencies: NH 250: One required-stairway from the second floor discharges internally at the first floor and is not enclosed or separated to provide exiting directly to the exterior. This is a repeat deficiency. Architectural plans must be submitted to Jacksonville Plans and Construction Section for approval, indicating physical changes required to this deficiency, prior to corrective action . . . . * * * NH 251: The southwest exit door to 27th Street was locked and exit lights were removed. This created a dead end area with only one means of exiting for the south portion of the center court. This is part of a repeat deficiency form (sic) 1984 survey. * * * NH 269: a storage closet in the activities office is not protected by the automatic sprinkler system. * * * NH 277: The following air conditioning deficiencies were found: 1. The heat sensor for the air conditioner unit located on the first floor at the dining room did not activate properly when tested. NH 295: Rooms where soiled linen is stored and soiled utility rooms are not exhausted to the exterior in accordance with Table II. 4/ Hialeah asserts that the Department has waived or deleted deficiency NH 250, or is estopped from counting it as a deficiency for rating purposes. Hialeah's assertion is unpersuasive. The record reveals that during the October 24, 1984 life-safety survey, Hialeah was cited for the same deficiency, NH 250/K32, that is subject matter of these proceedings. 5/ In response to Hialeah's request for a waiver of this deficiency, the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) advised Hialeah by letter of January 28, 1985: We have reviewed your request for a waiver of items K-32 . . . cited as deficiencies to you. Based on this review we concur with the State Agency's recommendation to deny this request. We expect you to submit an accept- able Plan of Correction to these deficiencies to the State Agency within 15 days of the date you receive this letter. We are notifying the State of this action. Notwithstanding the unequivocal denial of Hialeah's request for waiver, a life- safety follow-up inspection on April 17, 1985, revealed that the deficiency had not been addressed or corrected. As of April 26, 1985, the date Hialeah submitted its renewal application which is the subject matter of these proceedings, a plan of correction had still not been submitted nor had the deficiency been corrected. 6/ At this juncture, faced with an uncorrected deficiency from its last survey, Hialeah submitted its second request for waiver of NH 243/K 32. 7/ Hialeah's request for waiver, dated May 23, 1985, was forwarded by the Department's Miami office to the Director of its Office of Licensure and Certification on July 23, 1985, with a recommendation of denial predicated on HCFA's previous action. Before the Department acted, however, the results of the July 29 - August 1, 1985 survey were published and the same deficiency cited. On October 30, 1985, the Department responded to Hialeah's May 23, 1985 request for waiver, as well as the results of the July 29 - August 1, 1985 survey. That letter provided: A thorough review has been made of the citations found in OPLCM report of life safety deficiencies found during the survey conducted July 29 - August 1, 1985. As a result of that survey NH 250; NH 277 item #2, NH 282, and NH 219 will be deleted from the report . . . . Your letter of July 23, 1985 (sic) addressed to Alvin Delaney requesting waivers of items K 32 . . . cannot be granted and corrections must be made . . . . However, by letter of December 12, 1985, the Department advised Hialeah that: the indication . . . (in my letter of October 30) . . . that NH 250 citation related to a second floor stairway would be deleted as a deficiency was an error . . . and that deficiency must be corrected. Hialeah's assertion that NH 250 was waived or deleted by the Department is contrary to the evidence. Hialeah's assertion that the Department is estopped from raising that deficiency because of its delay in passing on Hialeah's "second" request for waiver is equally unpersuasive. Hialeah knew of the deficiency because of the October 24, 1984 survey, knew by letter of January 28, 1985, that the deficiency would not be waived, and took no action to correct the deficiency. The fact that the Department erroneously advised Hialeah that NH 250 was deleted did not prejudice Hialeah since such announcement was made after the current survey. Further, that letter affirmatively advised Hialeah that K 32 (the federal equivalent) could not be waived. In sum, NH 250 was properly cited as a deficiency. Hialeah asserts that NH 251 was improperly cited because it had complied with an "alternative plan of correction," approved by the Department, which allowed the 27th Street exit to remain locked so long as staff carried keys to the exit. The proof supports Hialeah's assertion. Since staff do carry keys, NH 251 was improperly cited. Hialeah's assertion that NH 269 was improperly cited because the closet in question measured less than 100 square feet is unfounded. The closet was created by erecting a partition in an existing room, and was used for the storage of activity supplies, including combustibles, for nursing home residents. The life-safety code required that the subject closet be sprinkled, and the Department had no policy which deviated from the code. Accordingly, NH 269 was properly cited. Hialeah's assertion that NH 277(1) was improperly cited because the heat sensor was not correctly tested is unfounded. At the time of inspection the heat sensor was properly tested and failed to function. Therefore, NH 277(1) was properly cited. Hialeah's assertion that NH 295 was improperly cited, because cited on a consultative visit, is not supported by the record. NH 295 was cited as a result of the July 29 - August 1, 1985 life-safety inspection, not a consultative visit, and its citation was proper. Conditional vs. Superior Rating: The parties have stipulated that if Hialeah meets the requirements for a standard rating that it is likewise entitled to a superior rating. To qualify for a standard rating Hialeah must have no more than 20 Class III deficiencies and no more than 5 Class III deficiencies in the specific areas delineated by Hialeah's Exhibit 20, Item 3. While each of the cited deficiencies are Class III, and the number of deficiencies correctly cited do not exceed 20, Hialeah amassed more than 5 deficiencies in the area designated by Rules 10D-29.119, 10D-29.121, 10D-29.123, and 10D-29.125. Accordingly, Hialeah does not qualify for a standard or superior rating but, rather a conditional rating.

Florida Laws (2) 400.022400.165
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF NURSING vs LOUVEDOR BONHOMME, C.N.A., 04-002248PL (2004)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Naples, Florida Jun. 25, 2004 Number: 04-002248PL Latest Update: Mar. 11, 2005

The Issue Whether Responded violated Subsections 464.018(1)(n) and 464.204(1)(b), Florida Statutes (2002), and, if so, what discipline should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact The Department is the state agency charged with the responsibility of regulating the practice of certified nursing assistants pursuant to Section 20.43 and Chapters 456 and 464, Florida Statutes (2004). Bonhomme is a certified nursing assistant (C.N.A.) licensed by the Department under Certificate No. CX 1100000012785. The incident at issue in this proceeding took place on April 21, 2003, when Bonhomme was employed as a C.N.A. at Imperial Health Care Center (Imperial), where E.O. was a resident. Nicole Joseph (Joseph), a C.N.A., was assigned to care for E.O. E.O. spends a good deal of her time sitting in a wheelchair at the nurses' station in "A" Hall. E.O. speaks very little English, and communicates mostly in German. When she needs to go to the restroom, she will usually yell, "Hello," and the C.N.A. will come and get her, take her to the restroom, and assist her in using the facilities. On April 21, 2003, E.O. indicated that she needed to use the restroom, and a nurse paged Joseph to come and get E.O. Joseph was busy assisting another resident when the page was made, and Bonhomme took up the task of taking E.O. to the restroom. Bonhomme began to wheel E.O. down the hall towards E.O.'s room. Joseph came out of the other resident's room and followed Bonhomme and E.O. into E.O.'s room. While Bonhomme was taking E.O. to her room, Bonhomme would shake E.O.'s wheelchair from side to side, upsetting E.O. and causing her to scream in German. When they were inside E.O.'s room, Joseph began to remove the foot plates from the wheelchair so that E.O. could access the toilet from the wheelchair. E.O., still upset, began to kick Joseph. E.O. carries a small red pocketbook containing pens, pencils, and paper. She uses the writing materials to assist in communicating with others who do not speak German. E.O. becomes very upset when anyone touches her pocketbook. Joseph wheeled E.O. into the bathroom and placed E.O.'s pocketbook on top of the toilet. Bonhomme took the pocketbook and threw it on the floor. Her actions upset E.O., who began to scream. Joseph took the pocketbook and replaced it on the toilet tank top. Again Bonhomme took the pocketbook and threw it on the floor. Joseph picked up the pocketbook and placed it on E.O.'s bed within E.O.'s sight. After Joseph placed the pocketbook on the bed, E.O. began to calm down. Joseph got E.O. situated on the toilet and returned to another resident's room to assist that resident, leaving Bonhomme in the bathroom with E.O. Finemy Cange (Cange), a C.N.A. employed by Imperial, was caring for a resident in the room across the hall from E.O.'s room. Cange saw Bonhomme take E.O. into her room and later heard E.O. screaming in her bathroom. Cange went to the storage room to get a nightgown for a resident. On returning from the storage room, she continued to hear E.O. yelling. Cange, carrying the nightgown, and another C.N.A., Catherine George, went into E.O.'s room. Cange found Bonhomme standing in front of E.O. in the bathroom, making faces at E.O. This was upsetting to E.O. Bonhomme took a rubber glove that was in the bathroom, filled it with water, and bounced it on E.O.'s head. E.O., still seated on the toilet, became more upset and continued to yell. Cange told Bonhomme that placing the glove on E.O.'s head was not funny. Bonhomme quit bouncing the glove on E.O.'s head and placed the glove in the sink. Joseph, who was assisting another resident, heard E.O.'s continued screaming. She left the other resident and returned to E.O.'s room. She saw Bonhomme with the water-filled glove, but did not know that Bonhomme had bounced it on E.O.'s head. Next Bonhomme took the nightgown from Cange, threw it on E.O.'s head and turned out the lights. Cange turned the lights back on. At this juncture, Joseph told Bonhomme to leave. Joseph got E.O. off the toilet, dressed her and returned her to the nurses' station, where she left her. E.O. was visibly upset. She was pointing to her head, crying, and talking in German. The nurse at the nurses' station contacted Suzanne Salyer (Salyer), the director of nursing at Imperial. Salyer questioned Bonhomme and Joseph, but they denied anything happened. Both C.N.A.'s were suspended pending an investigation. The following morning Joseph went to Salyer and told her what happened. Salyer is a registered nurse and is qualified as an expert in nursing and the duties and responsibilities of C.N.A.'s. It is her expert opinion that C.N.A.'s should take care of the residents as if they were family and that placing a nightgown on a resident's head, placing a water-filled glove on a resident's head, and turning off the light after placing the nightgown on the resident's head are actions which fall below the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing nursing practices. Bonhomme was aware that the actions were prohibited. When she began working at Imperial, she signed a Resident's Rights Agreement that provided that a resident has the right "[t]o be free from verbal, physical or mental abuse, corporal punishment and involuntary seclusion." Bonhomme has not had her certificate disciplined prior to this proceeding.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered finding that Louvedor Bonhomme violated Subsection 464.204(1)(b), Florida Statutes (2002), by violating Subsection 464.018(1)(n), Florida Statutes (2002); imposing an administrative fine of $100; requiring Louvedor to attend continuing education classes as specified by the Board of Nursing; and placing Respondent on probation for two years under conditions as specified by the Board of Nursing. DONE AND ENTERED this 6th day of December, 2004, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S SUSAN B. HARRELL 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 6th day of December, 2004.

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.5720.43464.018464.204
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BOARD OF NURSING vs. BONNIE ISAAC, 76-001551 (1976)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 76-001551 Latest Update: Jul. 19, 1977

Findings Of Fact Bonnie Isaac, R.N., held License No. 52845-2 as a Registered Nurse. Said license having been suspended for a period of ninety (90) days pursuant to the lawful order of the Board signed February 18, 1976. Said order of suspension was transmitted to and received by Bonnie Isaac on February 27, 1976. Subsequent to the receipt of said order, Bonnie Isaac continued to perform duties which can only be performed by licensed nurses in the course of her employment at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Dade City, Florida. Bonnie Isaac did not return her certificate of licensure and renewal certificate to the Board, but said renewal expired on March 31, 1976 pursuant to law. The license of Bonnie Isaac was not reinstated at the end of ninety (90) days although she requested that her license be returned to her by her letter of June 25, 1976 to the Florida State Board of Nursing. The license of Bonnie Isaac, suspended by lawful order of the Board effective February 27, 1976, had not been reinstated as of the date of hearing.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the Hearing Officer would recommend that the probation of Bonnie Isaac expressed in Board's order dated February 18, 1976 for nine (9) months following the ninety (90) day suspension of Respondent's license be set aside and the license of Respondent be suspended for one year from the initial date of suspension, February 27, 1976, said license to be reinstated with the full benefits and privileges thereof on February 26, 1977. DONE and ORDERED this 16th day of December, 1976, in Tallahassee, Florida. STEPHEN F. DEAN Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida COPIES FURNISHED: Julius Finegold, Esquire 218 E. Forsyth Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Geraldine B. Johnson, R.N. State Board of Nursing 6501 Arlington Expressway Bldg B Jacksonville, Florida 32211 Bonnie C. Isaac, R.N. Route 11, Box 735 A Lakeland, Florida 33801

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BOARD OF NURSING vs MICHAEL BLANKENSHIP, 90-008047 (1990)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Dec. 20, 1990 Number: 90-008047 Latest Update: Jun. 24, 1991

The Issue The central issue in this case is whether the Respondent is guilty of the violations alleged in the administrative complaint dated April 17, 1990, and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact Based upon the stipulation of the parties and the documentary evidence received at the hearing, the following findings of fact are made: The Department is the state agency charged with the responsibility of regulating the practice of nursing in the State of Florida. At all times material to this case, the Respondent has been a licensed practical nurse, having been issued license number PN 0914071. On October 27, 1988, the Board of Nursing (Board) issued a license to practice to Respondent and placed him on probation subject to specific terms and conditions for a period of two years. One of the conditions of Respondent's first year of probation required that he be directly supervised by a registered nurse when administering a narcotic. During the period July 15-16, 1989, Respondent worked two shifts in the oncology ward at Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) in Orlando, Florida. During these shifts, Respondent administered approximately seventeen narcotic doses without being directly supervised by a registered nurse. The administration of narcotics described above were performed during Respondent's first year of probation. Policies in effect at ORMC during the period July 15-16, 1989, did not require that a licensed practical nurse be directly supervised when administering narcotics. Respondent's supervising head nurse at ORMC was unaware of the probationary condition requiring that Respondent be directly supervised during the administration of narcotics. A further condition of Respondent's probation required that he notify the Board's probation supervisor of any changes in his telephone number and/or employment within ten days of such change. On or about April 26, 1989, the Respondent notified the Board that he had been employed for Health Care of Orlando since approximately January, 1989, and for St. Cloud Hospital since approximately January 9, 1989. Such notification was not made within ten days of the change in employment. In July, 1989, the Respondent notified the Board of additional changes in employment and with his telephone number. This notification also was not made within ten days of the change. On or about May 11, 1989, the Respondent filled out an employment application with Allied Health Card Consultants, Inc. One of the questions posed on that application asked: "Have any of your professional licenses ever been under investigation?" Respondent answered the foregoing question: "no". Another question posed on the application asked: "Is there any reason you would be unable to perform the duties of your position?" In response, Respondent again answered: "no". On or about August 11, 1989, Respondent gave a copy of the final order setting forth his conditions of probation to Allied Health Care. At all times material to the allegations of this case it was the policy of ORMC not to hire any agency staffed nurse who was on probation status with the Board since all such staff are required to perform all duties without restrictions.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Professional Regulation, Board of Nursing enter a final order finding the Respondent guilty of having violated a term of his probation set forth in the prior final order enter by the Board, contrary to Section 464.018(1)(1), Florida Statutes, imposing an administrative fine in the amount of $500.00, and suspending the Respondent's license for a period of two years. DONE and ENTERED this 24th day of June, 1991, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. Joyous D. Parrish Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 24th day of June, 1991. APPENDIX CASE NO. 90-8047 RULINGS ON THE PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER: 1. Paragraphs 1 and 2 are accepted. RULINGS ON THE PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT SUBMITTED BY THE RESPONDENT: Respondent's findings of fact begin with the paragraph numbered 9 Paragraph 9 is accepted. Paragraph 10 is accepted. The first sentence of paragraph 11 is accepted. The remainder of the paragraph is rejected as contrary to the height of the evidence. Paragraph 12 is accepted. Paragraph 13 is rejected as comment, argument, or irrelevant. COPIES FURNISHED: Tracey S. Hartman Senior Attorney Department of Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 C. Michael Magruder The Monument Building 22 W. Monument Avenue Kissimmee, Florida 34741 Jack McRay General Counsel Department of Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Judie Ritter Executive Director 504 Daniel Building 111 East Coastline Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Florida Laws (1) 464.018
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AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION vs AVANTE AT LEESBURG, INC., D/B/A AVANTE AT LEESBURG, 02-003255 (2002)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Leesburg, Florida Aug. 19, 2002 Number: 02-003255 Latest Update: Apr. 18, 2003

The Issue Whether Respondent committed the violations alleged in the Administrative Complaints and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact Stipulated facts AHCA is the agency responsible for the licensing and regulation of skilled nursing facilities in Florida pursuant to Chapter 400, Part II, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 59A-4, Florida Administrative Code. At all times material hereto, Avante was licensed by Petitioner as a skilled nursing facility. Avante operates a 116-bed nursing home located in Leesburg, Florida. On or about March 28, 2002, AHCA conducted a complaint investigation at Avante. Based on AHCA's findings during the March 28, 2002, complaint investigation, federal tag F281(D) was cited against Avante. On or about May 13, 2002, AHCA conducted a survey at Avante. Based on AHCA's findings during the May 13, 2002, survey, federal tag F281(D) was cited against Avante. Resident E.S. was admitted to Avante on March 11, 2002, with diagnoses including e. coli sepsis, anemia, and schizophrenia with an order for serum albumin levels to be performed "now and yearly." Resident E.S.'s resident chart failed to reflect that a serum albumin test had been performed for Resident E.S. at any time from the date of his admission on March 11, 2002, until March 28, 2002. Avante failed to follow the orders of Resident E.S.'s physician due to its failure to perform a serum albumin test on Resident E.S. at any time between March 11, 2002, and March 28, 2002. Resident R.L. was admitted to Respondent's facility on May 6, 2002 with diagnoses including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, A-fib, pneumonia, diverticulitis, gout, fracture of right arm, and cancer of the prostate. Resident R.L.'s resident chart reflects that Resident R.L. was neither offered or administered Tylenol by Avante's staff at any time between May 9, 2002, and May 13, 2002. Facts Based Upon the Evidence of Record The correction date given to Respondent for the deficiency cited, Tag F281(D), as a result of the March 28, 2002, complaint investigation was April 28, 2002. Respondent does not dispute the deficiency cited by AHCA as a result of the March 28, 2002, complaint investigation. Thus, facts and circumstances surrounding the May 13, 2002, survey visit to Avante is the source of this dispute. The purpose of the May 13, 2002 survey visit to Avante by AHCA was for annual certification or licensure. In an annual license survey, a group of surveyors goes to a facility to determine if the facility is in compliance with state and federal requirements and regulations. Part of the process is to tour the facility, meet residents, record reviews, and talk to families and friends of the residents. During the licensure visit on May 13, 2002, the records of 21 residents were reviewed. Stephen Burgin is a registered nurse and is employed by AHCA as a registered nurse specialist. He has been employed by AHCA for three years and has been licensed as a nurse for six years. He also has experience working in a hospital ER staging unit and in a hospital cardiology unit. Nurse Burgin has never worked in a nursing home. Nurse Burgin conducted the complaint investigation on March 28, 2002, and was team leader for the licensure survey visit on May 13, 2002, at Avante. He was accompanied on the May 13, 2002, visit by Selena Beckett, who is employed by AHCA as a social worker. Both Nurse Burgin and Ms. Beckett are Surveyor Minimum Qualification Test (SMQT) certified. During the course of the May 13, 2002, licensure survey visit, Ms. Beckett interviewed Resident R.L. As a result of this interview, Ms. Beckett examined Resident R.L.'s medication administration record (MAR) to determine whether he was receiving pain medication for his injured left elbow. As a result of reviewing Resident R.L.'s record, Ms. Beckett became aware of a fax cover sheet which related to Resident R.L. The fax cover sheet was dated May 8, 2002, from Nancy Starke, who is a registered nurse employed by Avante as a staff nurse, to Dr. Sarmiento, Resident R.L.'s attending physician. The box labeled "Please comment" was checked and the following was hand written in the section entitled "comments": "Pt refused Augmentin 500 mg BID today states it causes him to have hallucinations would like tyl for pain L elbow." According to Nurse Starke, the fax to Dr. Sarmiento addressed two concerns: Resident R.L.'s refusal to take Augmentin and a request for Tylenol for pain for Resident R.L.'s left elbow. She faxed the cover sheet to Dr. Sarmiento during the 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. shift on May 8, 2002. Despite her fax to Dr. Sarmiento, which mentioned pain in R.L.'s left elbow, her daily nurse notes for May 8, 2002, reflect that Resident R.L. was alert, easygoing, and happy. He was verbal on that day meaning that he was able to make his needs known to her. Her daily nurse notes for May 8, 2002 contain the notation: "Pt refused augmentin today. Dr. Sarmiento faxed." According to Nurse Starke, she personally observed Resident R.L. and did not observe any expression of pain on May 8, 2002, nor did Resident R.L. request pain medication after she sent the fax to Dr. Sarmiento. The fax cover sheet also contained the hand written notation: "Document refused by PT. OK 5/9/02" with initials which was recognized by nurses at Avante as that of Dr. Sarmiento. The fax sheet has a transmission line which indicates that it was faxed back to Avante the evening of May 9, 2002. Nurse Starke also provided care to Resident R.L. on May 11, 2002. According to Nurse Starke, Resident R.L. did not complain of pain on May 11, 2002. Theresa Miller is a registered nurse employed by Avante as a staff nurse. Nurse Miller provided care to Resident R.L. on May 9 and 10, 2002, during the 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. shift. Nurse Miller's nurses notes for May 9 and 10, 2002, reflect that she observed Resident R.L. to be alert, easygoing, and happy. Her notes also reflect that Resident R.L. was verbal on those dates, meaning that he was able to tell her if he needed anything. She did not observe Resident R.L. to have any expression of pain on those dates, nor did Resident R.L. express to her that he was in any pain. Vicki Cannon is a licensed practical nurse employed by Avante as a staff nurse. Nurse Cannon has been a licensed practical nurse and has worked in nursing homes since 1998. Nurse Cannon provided care to Resident R.L. on May 11 and 12, 2002, on the 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. shift. Her nurse's notes for May 11, 2002 reflect that Resident R.L. was sullen but alert and verbal. Resident R.L. had blood in his urine and some discomfort. Nurse Cannon contacted Dr. Sarmiento by telephone on May 11, 2002, to inform him of Resident R.L.'s symptoms that day. Nurse Cannon noted on Resident R.L.'s physician order sheet that she received a telephone order from Dr. Sarmiento to give Resident R.L. Ultram PRN and Levaquin, discontinue Augmentin, order BMP and CBC blood work, and a urology consult. Ultram is an anti-inflammatory and a pain medication. Ultram is stronger than Tylenol. The notation "PRN" means as requested by the patient for pain. Levaquin is an antibiotic. Nurse Cannon faxed the order to the pharmacy at Leesburg Regional Medical Center. By the time Nurse Cannon left Avante for the day on May 11, 2002, the Ultram had not arrived from the pharmacy. On May 12, 2002, Resident R.L. had edema of the legs and blood in his urine. Nurse Cannon notified Dr. Sarmiento of Resident R.L.'s symptoms. Resident R.L. was sent to the emergency room for evaluation based on Dr. Sarmiento's orders. Additionally, Nurse Cannon called the pharmacy on May 12, 2002, to inquire about the Ultram as it had not yet arrived at the facility. Resident R.L. returned to Avante the evening of May 12, 2002. Alice Markham is a registered nurse and is the Director of Nursing at Avante. She has been a nurse for more than 20 years and has been employed at Avante for a little over two years. She also has worked in acute care at a hospital. Nurse Markham is familiar with Resident R.L. She described Resident R.L. as alert until the period of time before he went to the hospital on May 12, 2002. She was not aware of any expressions of pain by Resident R.L. between May 9, 2002 until he went to the hospital on May 12, 2002. Nurse Markham meets frequently with her nursing staff regarding the facility's residents. During the licensure survey, Nurse Markham became aware of Ms. Beckett's concerns regarding Resident R.L. and whether he had received Tylenol. She called Dr. Sarmiento to request an order for Tylenol for R.L. The physician order sheet for R.L. contains a notation for a telephone order for Tylenol "PRN" on May 14, 2002, for joint pain and the notation, "try Tylenol before Ultram." The medical administration record for R.L. indicates that Resident R.L. received Ultram on May 13 and and began receiving Tylenol on May 15, 2002. AHCA 's charge of failure to meet professional standards of quality by failing to properly follow and implement physician orders is based on the "OK" notation by Dr. Sarmiento on the above-described fax and what AHCA perceives to be Avante's failure to follow and implement that "order" for Tylenol for Resident R.L. AHCA nurse and surveyor Burgin acknowledged that the "OK" on the fax cover sheet was not an order as it did not specify dosage or frequency. He also acknowledged that the nursing home could not administer Tylenol based on Dr. Sarmiento's "OK" on the fax cover sheet, that it would not be appropriate to forward the "OK" to the pharmacy, that it should not have been placed on the resident's medication administration record, and that it should not have been administered to the resident. However, Nurse Burgin is of the opinion that the standard practice of nursing is to clarify such an "order" and once clarified, administer the medication as ordered. He was of the opinion that Avante should have clarified Dr. Sarmiento's "OK" for Tylenol on May 9, 2002, rather than on May 14, 2002. Nurse Burgin also was of the opinion that it should have been reflected on the resident's medication administration record and treatment record or TAR. In Nurse Markham's opinion, "OK" from Dr. Sarmiento on the fax cover sheet does not constitute a physician's order for medication as it does not contain dosage or frequency of administration. Nurse Markham is also of the opinion that it should not have been forwarded to the pharmacy, transcribed to the medication administration record, or transcribed on the treatment administration record. According to Nurse Markham, doctor's orders are not recorded on the treatment administration record of a resident. Nurse Markham is of the opinion that the nursing staff at Avante did not deviate from the community standard for nursing in their care of Resident R.L. from May 8, 2002 to May 14, 2002. Nurse Cannon also is of the opinion that the "OK" by Dr. Sarmiento does not constitute a physician's order for medication. The Administrative Complaints cited Avante for failure to meet professional standards of quality by failing to properly follow and implement a physician's order. Having considered the opinions of Nurses Burgin, Markham, and Cannon, it is clear that the "OK" notation of Dr. Sarmiento on the fax cover sheet did not constitute a physician's order. Without Dr. Sarmiento's testimony, it is not entirely clear from a review of the fax cover sheet that the "OK" relates to the reference to Tylenol or the reference to Resident R.L.'s refusal of Augmentin. Accordingly, Avante did not fail to follow a physician's order in May 2002. As to AHCA's assertion that Avante failed to meet professional standards by not clarifying the "OK" from Dr. Sarmiento, this constitutes a different reason or ground than stated in the Administrative Complaints. Failure to clarify an order is not the equivalent of failure to follow an order. There is insufficient nexus between the deficiency cited on March 28, 2002 and the deficiency cited on May 13, 2002. Accordingly, Avante did not fail to correct a Class III deficiency within the time established by the agency or commit a repeat Class III violation. Moreover, the evidence shows that the nursing staff responded to the needs of Resident R.L. Resident R.L. expressed pain in his left elbow to Nurse Starke on May 8, 2002. Resident R.L. was alert and could make his needs known. He did not express pain or a need for pain medication to Nurse Miller on May 9 or 10, 2002 or to Nurse Cannon on May 11 or 12, 2002. Rather, Nurse Cannon noted a change in his condition, notified Dr. Sarmiento which resulted in Resident R.L. being sent to the emergency room. Resident R.L. returned to Avante the evening of May 12, 2002, and received Ultram for pain on May 13, 2002, when the medication reached Avante from the pharmacy. The evidence presented does not establish that Avante deviated from the community standard for nursing in its actions surrounding the "OK" from Dr. Sarmiento. In weighing the respective opinions of Nurses Burgin and Markham in relation to whether the community standard for nursing was met by the actions of Respondent, Nurse Markham's opinion is more persuasive.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law set forth herein, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Agency for Health Care Administration enter a final order dismissing the Administrative Complaints issued against Respondent, Avante at Leesburg. DONE AND ENTERED this 13th day of December, 2002, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. BARBARA J. STAROS 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 13th day of December, 2002. COPIES FURNISHED: Jodi C. Page, Esquire Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive Mail Station 3 Tallahassee, Florida 32308 Karen L. Goldsmith, Esquire Jonathan S. Grout, Esquire Goldsmith, Grout & Lewis 2180 Park Avenue North, Suite 100 Post Office Box 2011 Winter Park, Florida 32790-2011 Lealand McCharen, Agency Clerk Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive Fort Knox Building 3, Suite 3431 Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403 Valinda Clark Christian, General Counsel Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive Fort Knox Building 3, Suite 3431 Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403

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BOARD OF NURSING vs. KIMBERLY BAUZON, 86-003610 (1986)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 86-003610 Latest Update: Mar. 19, 1987

Findings Of Fact Based on the admissions of the parties, on the exhibits received in evidence and on the testimony of the witnesses at the hearing, I make the following findings of fact. Respondent, Kimberly Bauzon, L.P.N., is a licensed practical nurse in the state of Florida, having been issued license number PN 0803361. Respondent has been so licensed at all times material to the allegations in the complaint. Between the dates of October 25, 1985, and December 2, 1985, the Respondent was employed as an LPN by the Care Unit of Jacksonville Beach. On various occasions during her employment as an LPN at the Care Unit of Jacksonville Beach, Respondent charted vital signs for patients that she had not, in fact, taken. On or about November 21, 1985, while employed as an LPN on duty at the Care Unit of Jacksonville Beach, without authority or authorization, Respondent left her unit within the Care Unit for at least thirty (30) minutes. During that period of at least thirty (30) minutes on November 21, 1985, during which Respondent was out of her unit, there was no nurse present in the unit to take care of patient needs. Also on or about November 21, 1985, while on duty at the Care Unit of Jacksonville Beach, Respondent was asleep for a period of at least two (2) hours. On one occasion during Respondent's employment at the Care Unit of Jacksonville Beach, Respondent pulled a male adolescent by the waistband at the front of his trousers in the course of directing the patient to provide a urine specimen. The manner in which Respondent pulled on the patient's clothing was inappropriate and unprofessional. It is unprofessional conduct and a departure from minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing nursing practice for an LPN to be asleep while on duty. It is unprofessional conduct and a departure from minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing nursing practice for an LPN to chart vital signs which she has not, in fact, taken. It is unprofessional conduct and a departure from minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing nursing practice for an LPN to leave her unit for a period of thirty (30) minutes in the absence of a replacement nurse.

Recommendation In view of all of the foregoing, it is recommended that the Board of Nursing enter a final order in this case finding the Respondent guilty of one incident of violation of Section 464.018(1)(d), Florida Statutes, and four incidents of violation of Section 464.018(1)(f), Florida Statutes. And in view of the provisions of Rule 210-10.05(4)(d), Florida Administrative Code, it is recommended that the Board of Nursing impose a penalty consisting of a letter of reprimand and further consisting of a requirement that Respondent attend required specific continuing education courses, with an emphasis on the legal responsibilities of a nurse to the patients under her care. DONE AND ORDERED this 19th day of March, 1987, at Tallahassee, Florida. M. M. PARRISH Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 19th day of March, 1987. COPIES FURNISHED: Lisa Bassett, Esquire Staff Attorney Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0750 Kimberly Bauzon, LPN 2968 Songbird Trail Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233 Kimberly Bauzon, LPN 216B Seagate Avenue, #B Neptune Beach, Florida 32233 Joe Sole, General Counsel Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0750 Van Poole, Secretary Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0750 Judie Ritter, Executive Director Board of Nursing Department of Professional Regulation Room 504, 111 East Coastline Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32201 =================================================================

Florida Laws (2) 120.57464.018
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