17-002765
Agency For Health Care Administration vs.
Avante At Boca Raton, Inc.
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, August 18, 2017.
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, August 18, 2017.
1STATE OF FLORIDA
4AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
9STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR 2D17 T L 7 P 2: 10
21HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION,
24Petitioner, AHCA NO. 2014001532
28LICENSE NO. 1023095
31v
32RENDITION NO.: AHCA- 1' l - () Co 3 r. S- OLC
44AVANTE AT BOCA RATON, INC.,
49Respondent.
50FINAL ORDER
52Having reviewed the Administrative Complaint, and all other matters of record, the Agency for
66Health Care Administration finds and concludes as follows:
741. The Agency issued the attached Administrative Complaint and Election of Rights form to
88the Respondent. ( Ex. 1) The parties have since entered into the attached Settlement Agreement, which is
105adopted and incorporated by reference into this Final Order. ( Ex. 2)
1172. The Respondent shall pay the Agency $ 10, 000. 00, and a Conditional License is imposed
134beginning on 12/ 23/ 13 and ending on 1/ 8/ 14. If full payment has been made, the cancelled check acts as
156receipt of payment and no further payment is required. If full payment has not been made, payment is due
175within 90 days of the Final Order. Overdue amounts are subject to statutory interest and may be referred
193to collections. A check made payable to the " Agency for Health Care Administration" and containing the
209AHCA ten - digit case number should be sent to:
219Central Intake Unit
222Agency for Health Care Administration
2272727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop 61
233Tallahassee, Florida 32308
236ORDERED at Tallahassee, Florida, on this V day of Uob , 2017.
247M. m r, Secretary
251v fo& Walth Care Administration
256Lf"
257NOTICE OF RIGHT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW
263A party who is adversely affected by this Final Order is entitled to judicial review, which shall be instituted
282by filing one copy of a notice of appeal with the Agency Clerk of AHCA, and a second copy, along with
303filing fee as prescribed by law, with the District Court of Appeal in the appellate district where the Agency
322maintains its headquarters or where a party resides. Review of proceedings shall be conducted in
337accordance with the Florida appellate rules. The Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 days of
354rendition of the order to be reviewed.
361CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
364I CERTIFY that a true and correct- cs y of this Final Order was served on the below - named
384persons by the method designated on this 2" 1 ''" day of 52017.
397Richard J. Shoop, Agency" tqrk
402Agency for Health Care Administration
4072727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop 3
413Tallahassee, Florida 32308
416Telephone: ( 850) 412- 3630
421Facilities Intake Unit Central Intake Unit
427Agency for Health Care Administration Agency for Health Care Administration
437Electronic Mail) Electronic Mail)
441Lourdes A. Naranjo, Assistant General Counsel Suzanne Suarez Hurley, Esquire
451Office of the General Counsel Suzanne Suarez Hurley, P. A.
461Agency for Health Care Administration P. O. Box 13215
470Electronic Mail) Tampa, Florida 33681- 3215
476U. S. Mail)
479Vilma Martinez, Esq.
482VP and General Counsel
486Avante Group, Inc.
4894601 Sheridan Street, Suite 500
494Hollywood, Florida 33023
497U. S. Mail)
500STATE OF FLORIDA
503AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
508STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR HEALTH
514CARE ADMINISTRATION,
516Petitioner, AHCA No.: 2014001532
520Return Receipt Requested:
523V. 70151730 0000 5066 6005
528AVANTE AT BOCA RATON, INC.,
533Respondent.
534ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
536COMES NOW State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration (" AHCA" or
549Agency" or " Petitioner"), by and through the undersigned counsel, and files this administrative
563complaint against Avante at Boca Raton, Inc. ( hereinafter " Avante " or " Respondent"), pursuant
577to Chapter 400, Part II, and Section 120. 60, Florida Statutes ( 2016), and alleges:
592NATURE OF THE ACTION
5961. This is an action to impose an administrative fine of $ 16, 000. 00 pursuant to
613Sections 400. 23( 8), and 400. 19, Florida Statutes ( 2013), for the protection of public health,
630safety and welfare.
6332. This is also an action to impose a Conditional Licensure status beginning on
64712// 23/ 13 and ending on 1/ 8/ 14 pursuant to Section 400. 23( 7)( a), Florida Statutes ( 2012).
667EXHIBIT 1
669JURISDICTION AND VENUE
6723. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Sections 120. 569 and 120. 57, Florida
686Statutes ( 2016), and Chapter 28- 106, Florida Administrative Code ( 2012).
6984. Venue lies pursuant to Rule 28- 106. 207, Florida Administrative Code ( 2012).
712PARTIES
7135. AHCA is the regulatory authority responsible for licensure and enforcement of all
726applicable statutes and rules governing nursing homes pursuant to Chapter 400, Part II, Florida
740Statutes ( 2016), and Chapter 59A- 4, Florida Administrative Code.
7506. Avante is a 144 - bed nursing home facility located at 1130 NW 15a' Street, Boca
767Raton, Florida 33486. Avante is licensed as a nursing home facility under license SNF 1023095.
782A Conditional license was imposed beginning on 12/ 23/ 13, certificate number 18718, and ending
797on 1/ 8/ 14 when a Standard License was issued effective 1/ 18/ 14, certificate number 18719.
814Avante was at all times material hereto a licensed facility under the licensing authority of AHCA
830and was required to comply with all applicable rules and statutes.
841COUNT I ( TAG N0201)
846AVANTE FAILED TO PROVIDE THE APPROPRIATE SERVICES FOR ONE
855OF THREE SAMPLED RESIDENTS
859SECTION 400. 022( 1)( 1), FLORIDA STATUTES
866RIGHT TO ADEQUATE AND APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE)
873CLASS I VIOLATION
8767. AHCA re - alleges and incorporates paragraphs ( 1) through ( 5) as if fully set forth
894herein.
895W,
8968. Avante was cited with deficient practice as the result of a complaint survey that
911conducted n23
9139. Based on interviews, record review, facility policy, and according to Florida
925Statue, Chapter 468, Part V, the Respiratory Therapy Act, the facility failed to provide the
940appropriate services for 1 of 3 sampled residents reviewed for Advance Directives ( Resident # 1),
956who was on a ventilator and experienced a cardiac event. The Respiratory Therapist failed to
971follow a Do Not Resuscitate ( DNR) order for Resident # 1.
98310. The findings constituted the determination of immediate jeopardy, due to a staff
996member at the facility, a Respiratory Therapist, who serves as the Director of Respiratory
1010Therapy, failing to determine the code status for the resident, prior to initiating CPR. The
1025immediate jeopardy existed beginning 12/ 4/ 13, and was removed on 12/ 23/ 13. The scope and
1042severity level was decreased from a " J" level to a " D" level. Although the facility implemented
1058multiple corrective actions to remove the immediacy of the deficient practice, the potential for
1072harm remains without the implementation of a plan of correction and the monitoring of the
1087corrective actions.
108911. The Respiratory Therapy Act, Florida Statues Chapter 468, Part V, defines the
1102Practice of respiratory care" or " respiratory therapy" means the allied health specialty associated
1115with the cardiopulmonary system that is practiced under the orders of a physician licensed under
1130Chapter 458 or Chapter 459 and in accordance with protocols, policies, and procedures
1143established by a hospital or other health care provider or the board, including the assessment,
1158diagnostic evaluation, treatment, management, control, rehabilitation, education, and care of
1168patients in all care settings.
117312. Per record review, Resident # 1 was admitted to the facility on 10/ 21/ 13, with
1190diagnosis of Chronic Airway Obstruction, Tracheostomy with Ventilator, Gastrostomy, Diabetes
1200Mellitus, Congestive Heart Failure, Neurogenic Bladder, Hypertension, and Generalized Pain.
1210The resident had a pacemaker and a history of Atrial Fibrillation. The resident had signed a
1226Health Care Surrogate Designation" form on 10/ 29/ 13, designating her daughter as her Health
1241Care Surrogate ( HCS). The resident had a DNR in place, effective 10/ 30/ 13, per review of the
1260Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order" form, dated 10/ 30/ 13. The resident was sent to the hospital
1277on 11/ 2/ 13 and was readmitted to the facility on l I/ 11/ 13.
129213. The resident returned from the hospital without information regarding her DNR
1304status. The resident, with the assistance of her daughter per the resident' s request, validated
1319through interview with the Assistant Administrator on 12/ 20/ 13, completed another " Florida Do
1333Not Resuscitate Order" form, dated 11/ 12/ 13. The physician signed the form on 11/ 14/ 13.
135014. An interview was conducted with the resident' s daughter on 12/ 20/ 13 at 9: 07 AM,
1368and the daughter expressed that her mother was clear on a DNR order, stating " my mother said
1385they beat on her chest once and said never again". The daughter stated her mother wanted it
1403pasted on her bed". The resident had a Minimum Data Set ( MDS) assessment completed for
1420admission with a reference date of 11/ 18/ 13. The MDS indicated a Brief Interview of Mental
1437Status ( BIMS) score of 15, which indicated her cognition was intact.
144915. A review of the medical record was conducted on 12/ 20/ 13. The following
1464sequence of events was revealed: On 12/ 4/ 13 at 6: 25 AM, the resident who was being
1482progressively weaned off the ventilator was placed back on ventilator support. Between 6: 15
1496AM and 6: 25 AM, on 12/ 4/ 13, the resident became non- responsive with a heart rate of 56 beats
1517per minute and respiratory rate of 10. Her oxygen saturation level was 87%. After being placed
1533back on the ventilator, her oxygen saturation increased to 98%, her respirations increased to 13,
1548however her heart rate decreased to 50 beats per minute. A respiratory therapist, present in the
1564facility on 12/ 4/ 13 at 6: 45 AM was summoned to the resident' s room. Shortly thereafter, while
1583on ventilator support, the resident was unable to be aroused, with an absence of carotid pulses,
1599and CPR was initiated by the respiratory therapist. The facility called 911. Review of the
1614facility' s Adverse Incident Report stated the resident had been revived, post CPR services
1628rendered, but later passed away in the hospital.
163616. An interview was conducted with the Respiratory Therapist on 12/ 20/ 13 at 10: 57
1652AM. He validated that he was summoned to the resident' s room at 6: 45 AM on 12/ 4/ 13, and was
1674unable to arouse the resident, as well as obtain any carotid pulses. He validated he initiated CPR
1691on the resident, when he was unable to obtain a carotid pulse. He stated he was not aware the
1710resident had a DNR in place. He stated he did not check the resident' s chart himself prior, or
1729designate a staff member to check the resident' s chart for the DNR status, while he remained
1746with the resident. He expressed a vulnerability relating to a conflict with the resident' s daughter
1762prior to 12/ 4/ 13 and " jumped into reactive mode." He validated he was aware of determining a
1780resident' s code status before initiating CPR and stated, " My bad. I really screwed up." He
1796acknowledged the resident' s code status was located in the resident' s chart, near the front, under a
1814tab called " Advance Directives". He explained his job requires him to place residents on
1829ventilators and off ventilators frequently. He stated most residents are full code status, however
1843at times a resident will request a DNR order. He was aware the form is yellow in color as a
1863standard measure for a DNR. Further discussion revealed he was experiencing issues with the
1877resident' s responsible party that were progressive, and at one point he stated he was accused of
1894trying to kill the resident. He expressed the staff he supervised reported issues with the
1909responsible party to him on several occasions. He was unable to answer why he failed to report
1926the issues to Administration, the Director of Nursing, and/ or the Director of Social Services as
1942they occurred. He stated he did not fully understand the term " Interdisciplinary" and stated, " I do
1958not know Long Term Care". Additionally he added that under the duties required as the director
1975of the respiratory department, he re - in - serviced all of the respiratory staff on the procedure to
1994determine code status after the incident on 12/ 4/ 13 involving Resident# 1. He denied speaking to
2011the staff he supervises about reporting conflicts to Administration and/ or Social Services. On
202512/ 23/ 13, the Administrator informed the surveyor that the Respiratory Therapist had resigned
2039on 12/ 20/ 13.
204317. An investigation of the incident was completed by the Administrator on a form
2057entitled " Potential Adverse Incident Investigation Worksheet". The form did not indicate when it
2071was completed. The form validated the incident occurred on 12/ 4/ 13 and under the section
2087Describe circumstances of the incident" notation read " resident had an advanced directive in her
2101records which was not observed @ the time". Under the section " Were there any staff errors or
2119omissions related to the incident?" the notation read " Advanced directive was overlooked." A
2132written statement supplied by the Respiratory Therapist, as part of the Administrator' s
2145investigation, revealed the following: " Given the history of my interaction with the daughter, I
2159felt it necessary to do everything to save the patient. Especially since the daughter had accused
2175me before of wanting to pull the plug on her mother. The daughter and I had a few intense
2194interactions before where she was yelling at me and the staff over the care of her mother."
2211During the interview with the employee, he stated that he supplied a statement to administration
2226when the event was investigated.
223118. A review of the facility' s policy entitled " Advanced Directives Guidelines ( DNR)"
2245validated under the guideline denoted as " Number 2: Document Resident/ Responsible Party
2257wishes in the medical record." The policy did not contain a date. Under the " purpose" section of
2274the policy, the following was contained, " To insure that all Residents will be given the option of
2291formulating an advance directive ( DNR) and documents will be completed and kept up to date in
2308the medical record."
231119. An interview was conducted with the Director of Nursing ( DON) and the
2325Assistant Administrator on 12/ 20/ 13 at 11: 00 AM and ongoing throughout the survey. Both staff
2342members validated the Advance Directive, DNR, for Resident # 1 was legally sound and in place
2358at the time the Director of Respiratory Therapy initiated CPR. Both validated the facility policy
2373was to check the resident' s chart before initiating CPR to determine code status and this was not
2391done. Both validated on 12/ 4/ 13, Resident' s # 1' s medical record contained the most current,
2409yellow DNR form, dated 11/ 14/ 13, under the section/ tab of " Advanced Directives". The DON
2426stated all staff are aware of the procedure, and neither DON nor the Assistant Administrator were
2442aware of a conflict with the family. Both denied any issues reported to them from the
2458Respiratory Department or Respiratory Therapist/ Director of Respiratory Therapy. The DON
2469stated she re - in - serviced all the nursing staff on the procedure after the incident, beginning
248712/ 4/ 13 and ending 12/ 23/ 13. The DON and Assistant Administrator discussed with the
2503surveyor that a daily meeting is held with staff where issues regarding the resident' s care and
2520concerns, including family issues, are reported and discussed. They validated the daily meeting
2533is part of ongoing operations and the Respiratory Therapist has attended these regularly, as
2547required.
254820. A review of the Respiratory Therapist' s personnel file was conducted. Evidence
2561revealed he received training in his orientation program on 8/ 23/ 12, on the topics of Resident
2578Rights, Abuse and Neglect, Avante Grievance Policy, and Risk Management. A copy of a
2592current CPR certification was found in the employee' s file which was issued February 2013 and
2608expires on February 2015. A review of the employee' s file revealed he was a licensed respiratory
2625therapist in the state of Florida.
263121. An interview was conducted with the Administrator on 12/ 23/ 13 at 10: 00 AM,
2647and the Administrator validated that the training was provided to the employee. The
2660Administrator stated, " All staff are provided this training and all are spoken to about Advance
2675Directives." He expressed the employee has been a part of all interdisciplinary meetings,
2688including care plan meetings.
269222. The DON and the Assistant Administrator together outlined for the
2703surveyor, the steps taken to correct the situation after the event and the measures put in place to
2721prevent recurrence. The measures were described as follows:
27291. All residents were audited for their current and correct code status.
27412. All resident charts were audited to ensure the section labelled " Advance Directives"
2754contained no errors.
27573.
2758The topic of Advance Directives was added to the daily agenda for the interdisciplinary
2772meeting held every morning.
27764. The topic of Advance Directives was added to the agenda of the weekly Risk/ Quality of
2793Life meeting.
27955. Forty- five ( 45) of 45 licensed nursing staff ( RNs and LPNs), were re- educated on the
2814Advance Directive procedure, including determining code status on a resident first,
2825through reviewing the proper section in the chart.
28336. Thirteen ( 13) of the 15 Respiratory Therapy staff were re- educated on the Advance
2849Directive policies and procedures, including the first step in checking the resident' s chart
2863for code status, before initiating CPR. Two of the RTs are still on medical leave.
28787. A " Stop and Watch" program was instituted for all staff, including all ancillary
2892departments. The program was designed for staff to stay alert and keep everyone
2905informed of changes in a resident' s status or condition, as they arise. It included reporting
2921any changes or issues to the proper clinical and administrative staff immediately.
29338. The topic of Advanced Directives was added to the general orientation program provided
2947to all new staff.
29519. A yellow laminated, pocket - sized card ( same color as the DNR form) was created and the
2970information contained within reflected all the necessary items and topics the admission
2982nurseladmission process must cover, as soon as a resident enters the facility. A card was
2997given to each nurse employed, as well as posted near each computer in the facility.
301210. SBAR ( Situation/ Baseline/ Assessment/ Report) form was instituted for the nursing staff,
3026which included reviewing the Advance Directives, as part of the assessment.
303711. The Director of Respiratory Therapy was counselled regarding the untoward event on
305012/ 4/ 13 related to his actions. He resigned on 12/ 20/ 13.
306312. A " Daily Scrub " of each new admission' s medical record will be performed by
3078Administration and all clinical services, within the resident' s first 24 hours. The scrub
3092was designed to ensure all the necessary paperwork is contained in the record.
310513. The Administration making plans to improve hospital relations to ensure a new admission
3119comes to the facility with all paperwork intact.
312714. Administration preparing to remind all staff to promptly report resident and family
3140concerns, conflicts, and problems to the appropriate staff.
314823. The surveyor reviewed two ( 2) additional residents who were recently re - admitted
3163to the facility, and nine ( 9) resident records to ensure that the Advance Directive section of the
3181records reflected the correct code status of the resident. No concerns with any of the residents'
3197Advance Directives were noted.
320124. Based on the foregoing facts, Avante at Boca Raton, Inc. violated Section
3214400. 022( 1)( 1), Florida Statutes, herein classified as a Class I violation, which warrants in this
3231case an assessed fine of $ 10, 000. This violation also gives rise to a conditional license status
3249pursuant to Section 400. 23( 7)( b), Florida Statutes, beginning on 12/ 23/ 13 and ending on 1/ 8/ 14,
3269and a fine for $ 6, 000. 00 for a 6 month survey cycle pursuant to Section 400. 19, Florida Statutes
32902013).
3291DISPLAY OF LICENSE
3294Pursuant to Section 408. 804( 2), Florida Statutes, Avante shall post the license in a
3309prominent place that is in clear and unobstructed public view at or near the place where residents
3326E
3327are being admitted to the facility. The Conditional License and the Standard License are attached
3342hereto as Exhibit " A"
3346CLAIM FOR RELIEF
3349WHEREFORE, the Agency requests the Court to order the following relief.
33601. Enter a judgment in favor of the Agency for Health Care Administration against
3374Jackson Memorial on Count I.
33792. Assess an administrative fine of $ 10, 000. 00 against Avante at Boca Raton, Inc.
3395based on Count I.
33993. Assess and assign Conditional Licensure status to Avante at Boca Raton, Inc.
3412beginning on 12/ 23/ 13 and ending on 1/ 8/ 14 in accordance with Section 400. 23( 7)( b), Florida
3432Statutes.
34334. Assess a fine of $ 6, 000. 00 for a six ( 6) month survey cycle pursuant to Section
3453400. 19, Florida Statutes ( 2013).
34595. Assess costs related to the investigation and prosecution of this matter, if the
3473Court finds costs applicable.
34776. Grant such other relief as this Court deems is just and proper.
3490Respondent is notified that it has a right to request an administrative hearing pursuant to
3505Sections 120. 569 and 120. 57, Florida Statutes ( 2013). Specific options for administrative action
3520are set out in the attached Election of Rights. All requests for hearing shall be made to the
3538Agency for Health Care Administration, and delivered to the Agency Clerk, Agency for Health
3552Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, MS # 3, Tallahassee, Florida 3230&
3563RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT THE FAILURE TO RECEIVE A
3573REQUEST FOR A HEARING WITHIN TWENTY- ONE ( 21) DAYS OF RECEIPT OF
3586THIS COMPLAINT WILL RESULT IN AN ADMISSION OF THE FACTS ALLEGED
3597IN THE COMPLAINT AND THE ENTRY OF A FINAL ORDER BY THE AGENCY.
3610IF YOU WANT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE
3623REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY IN THIS MATTER
3630Lourdes A. Naranjo, Esq. 9
3635Fla. Bar No.: 997315
3639Assistant General Counsel
3642Agency for Health Care Administration
3647525 Mirror Lake Drive North, suite 330
3654St. Petersburg, Florida 33702
3658Copies furnished to:
3661Arlene Mayo - Davis
3665Field Office Manager
3668Agency for Health Care Administration
36735150 Linton Blvd. Suite 500
3679Delray Beach, Florida 33484
3683CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
3686I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished
3701by U. S. Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, to Devon Palmer, Administrator, Avante at
3715Boca Raton, Inc., 1130 NW 15"' Street, Boca Raton, Florida 33486, on this 6a' day of April,
37332017.
3734ourdes A. Naranjo, Esq.
3738RICK SCOTT ROROAAaHCY FOR * ALTH M acW
3746ELIZABETH DUDEK
3748GOVERNOR SECRETARY
3750February 21, 2014
3753Amin Sanaia, Administrator File Number: 95024
3759Avante At Boca Raton, Inc. License Number. 1023095
37671130 NW 15th Street Provider Type: Nursing Home
3775Boca Raton, FL 33486
3779RE: 1130 NW 15th Street, Boca Raton
3786Dear Administrator:
3788The enclosed Nursing Home license with license number 1023095 and certificate number
380018718 is issued for the above provider effective December 23, 2013 through November 30,
38142015. The license is being issued for: status change to conditional during licensure period
3828application.
3829Review your certificate thoroughly to ensure that all information is correct and consistent with
3843your records. If errors are noted, please contact the Long Term Care Unit.
3856Please take a short customer satisfaction survey on our website at ahca. myflorida. com/ survey/
3871to let us know how we can serve you bettei. Additional licensure information can be found at
3888http:// ahca. myflorida. conVIongtermcare.
3892If we may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 850- 412- 4434 or by email at
3912L- acshauna. Bradweli@ahca- myflorida. com.
3917Sincerely,
3918Lacshauna Bradwell
3920Health Services and Facilities Consultant
3925Long Term Care Unit
3929Division of Health Quality Assurance
3934AGENCY EXHIBIT
3936A"
39372727 Mahan Drive. MS# 33 Visit AHCA online at
3946Tallahassee, Florida 32308 ahca. myflorida. com
3952T
3953R
3954S
3955z
3956U O
39584
3959O z
3961A
3962R000kAf, ENCYF0RHEATHCARE ADANE," IJON
3966RICK SCOTT ELIZABETH DUDEK
3970GOVERNOR SECRETARY
3972February 21, 2014
3975Amin Sanaia, Administrator File Number: 95024
3981Avante At Boca Raton, Inc. License Number: 1023095
39891130 NW 15th Street Provider Type: Nursing Home
3997Boca Raton, FL 33486
4001RE. 1130 NW 15th Street, Boca Raton
4008Dear Administrator:
4010The enclosed Nursing Home license with license number 1023095 and certificate number
402218719 is issued for the above provider effective January 8, 2014 through November 30, 2015.
4037The license is being issued for: status change to standard during licensure period application.
4051Review your certificate thoroughly to ensure that all information is correct and consistent with
4065your records. If errors are noted, please contact the Long Term Care Unit.
4078Please take a short customer satisfaction survey on our website at ahca. mytlorida com/ survey/
4093to let us know how we can serve you better. Additional licensure information can be found at
4110http:// ahca. myflorida. com/ longtermcare.
4115If we may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 850- 412434 or by email at
4134Lacshauna. Bmdwell @ ahca. myflorida. com.
4140Sincerely,
4141zk" j
4143cshauna Bradwell
4145Health Services and Facilities Consultant
4150Long Term Care Unit
4154Division of Health Quality Assurance
41592727 Mahan Drive, M8# 33 Visit ahca. AHCA mytiorida. online com at
4171Tallahassee, Florida 32308
4174z
4175w
4176STATE OF FLORIDA
4179AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
4184Re: Avante at Boca Raton, Inc. ACHA No. 2014001532
4193ELECTION OF RIGHTS
4196This Election of Rights form is attached to an Administrative Complaint. It may be
4210returned by mail or facsimile transmission, but must be received by the Agency Clerk
4224within 21 days, by 5: 00 pm. Eastern Time, of the day you received the Administrative
4240Complaint. If your Election of Rights form or request for hearing is not received by the
4256Agency Clerk within 21 days of the day you received the Administrative Complaint, you
4270will have waived your right to contest the proposed agency action and a Final Order will be
4287issued imposing the sanction alleged in the Administrative Complaint.
4296Please use this form unless you, your attorney or your representative prefer to reply according to
4312Chapterl20, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 28, Florida Administrative Code.)
4321Please return your Election of Rights form to this address:
4331Agency for Health Care Administration
4336Attention: Agency Clerk
43392727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop # 3
4346Tallahassee, Florida 32308
4349Telephone: 850- 412- 3630 Facsimile: 850- 421- 0158
4357PLEASE SELECT ONLY 1 OF THESE 3 OPTIONS
4365OPTION ONE ( 1) I admit to the allegations of fact and conclusions of law alleged
4381in the Administrative Complaint and waive my right to object and to have a hearing. I
4397understand that by giving up the right to object and have a hearing, a Final Order will be issued
4416that adopts the allegations of fact and conclusions of law alleged in the Administrative
4430Complaint and imposes the sanction alleged in the Administrative Complaint.
4440OPTION TWO ( 2) I admit to the allegations of fact alleged in the Administrative
4455Complaint, but wish to be heard at an informal proceeding ( pursuant to Section 120. 57( 2),
4472Florida Statutes) where I may submit testimony and written evidence to the Agency to show that
4488the proposed agency action is too severe or that the sanction should be reduced.
4502OPTION THREE ( 3) I dispute the allegations of fact alleged in the Administrative
4516Complaint and request a formal hearing ( pursuant to Section 120. 57( 1), Florida Statutes)
4531before an Administrative Law Judge appointed by the Division of Administrative Hearings.
4543PLEASE NOTE: Choosing OPTION THREE ( 3), by itself, is NOT sufficient to obtain a
4558formal hearing. You also must file a written petition in order to obtain a formai hearing before
4575the Division of Administrative Hearings under Section 120. 57( 1), Florida Statutes. It must be
4590received by the Agency Clerk at the address above within 21 days of your receipt of this
4607proposed agency action. The request for formal hearing must conform to the requirements of
4621Rule 28- 106. 2015, Florida Administrative Code, which r uires that it contain:
46341. The name, address, telephone number, and facsimile number ( if any) of the Respondent.
46492. The name, address, telephone number and facsimile number of the attorney or qualified
4663representative of the Respondent ( if any) upon whom service of pleadings and other papers shall
4679be made.
46813. A statement requesting an administrative hearing identifying those material facts that are in
4695dispute. If there are none, the petition must so indicate.
47054. A statement of when the respondent received notice of the administrative complaint.
47185. A statement including the file number to the administrative complaint.
4729Mediation agrees. under Section 120. 573, Florida Statutes, may be available in this matter if the Agency
4746Licensee Name:
4748Contac
4749t Person: Title:
4752Address:
4753Number and Street City Zip Code
4759Telephone No. --- Fax No.
4764E- Mail ( optional)
4768I hereby certify that I am duly authorized to submit this Election of Rights form to the Agency
4786for Health Care Administration on behalf of the licensee referred to above.
4798Signed: Date:
4800Printed Name: Title:
4803STATE OF FLORIDA
4806AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
4811STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR
4816HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION,
4819Petitioner,
4820VS.
4821AHCA NO. 2014001532
4824DOAH 17- 2765
4827AVANTE AT BOCA RATON, INC., License No. 1023095
4835Respondent.
4836SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
4838Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration ( hereinafter the
4850Agency" or " ARCA"), through its undersigned representatives, and Respondent, Avante at
4862Boca Raton, Inc. ( hereinafter " Respondent"), pursuant to Section 120. 57( 4), Florida Statutes,
4877each individually, a " party," collectively as " parties," hereby enter into this Settlement
4889Agreement (" Agreement") and agree as follows:
4897WHEREAS, Respondent is a nursing home licensed pursuant to Chapters 400, Part II,
4910and 408, Part II, Florida Statutes, Section 20. 42, Florida Statutes and Chapter 59A- 4, Florida
4926Administrative Code; and
4929WHEREAS, the Agency has jurisdiction by virtue of being the regulatory and licensing
4942authority over Respondent, pursuant to Chapters 400, Part II, and 408, Part II, Florida Statutes;
4957and
4958WHEREAS, the Agency served Respondent with an administrative complaint on or
4969about April 3, 2017, notifying the Respondent of its intent to impose administrative fines in the
4985amount of one thousand dollars ($ 16, 000. 00), and to impose conditional licensure status
5000EXHIBIT 2
5002commencing December 23, 2013, and ending on January 8, 2014, resulting from a complaint
5016survey commencing on December 20, 2013 and ending on December 23, 2013.
5028WHEREAS, the parties have negotiated and agreed that the best interest of all the parties
5043will be served by a settlement of this proceeding; and
5053NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and recitals herein, the
5065parties intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
50741. All recitals herein are true and correct and are expressly incorporated herein.
50872. Both parties agree that the " whereas" clauses incorporated herein are binding
5099findings of the parties.
51033. Upon full execution of this Agreement, Respondent agrees to waive any and all
5117appeals and proceedings to which it may be entitled including, but not limited to, an informal
5133proceeding under Subsection 120. 57( 2), Florida Statutes, a formal proceeding under Subsection
5146120. 57( 1), Florida Statutes, appeals under Section 120. 68, Florida Statutes; and declaratory and
5161all writs of relief in any court or quasi - court of competent jurisdiction; and agrees to waive
5179compliance with the form of the Final Order ( findings of fact and conclusions of law) to which it
5198may be entitled, provided, however, that no agreement herein shall be deemed a waiver by either
5214party of its right to judicial enforcement of this Agreement.
52244. Upon full execution of this Agreement, Respondent agrees to pay ten thousand
5237dollars ($ 10, 000. 00) in administrative fines to the Agency within ninety ( 90) days of the entry of
5257the Final Order. The Agency will impose a conditional licensure status commencing on
5270December 23, 2013 and ending on January 8, 2014.
52795. Venue for any action brought to interpret, challenge, or enforce the terms of this
5294Agreement or the Final Order entered pursuant hereto shall lie in Circuit Court in Leon County,
5310Florida.
53116. The Respondent and the Agency agree this settlement and all payments, as well as
5326all terms and provisions of this Agreement, are intended to resolve a disputed matter for purpose
5342of settlement and compromise only. Respondent enters into this settlement and its terms without
5356any admission of fault, liability, or wrongdoing, all of which is expressly denied. Therefore, by
5371executing this Agreement, Respondent denies, and the Agency asserts the validity of the
5384allegations raised in the survey referenced herein or in the Administrative Complaint, AHCA
53972014001532. No agreement made herein shall preclude the Agency from imposing a penalty
5410against Respondent for any deficiency/ violation of statute or rule identified in a future survey of
5426Respondent, pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 400, Part II, 408, Part II, Florida Statutes,
5441and Chapter 59A- 4, Florida Administrative Code, including a " repeat" or " uncorrected"
5453deficiency identified in the Survey. In said event, Respondent retains the right to challenge the
5468factual allegations related to the deficient practices/ violations alleged in the instant cause.
54817. No agreement made herein shall preclude the Agency from using the deficiencies
5494from the survey in any decision regarding licensure of Respondent, including, but not limited to,
5509a demonstrated pattern of deficient performance. The Agency is not precluded from using the
5523subject events for any purpose within the jurisdiction of the Agency. Further, Respondent
5536acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement shall not preclude or estop any other federal, state,
5551or local agency or office from pursuing any cause of action or taking any action, even if based on
5570or arising from, in whole or in part, the facts raised in the Survey. This agreement does not
5588prohibit the Agency from taking action regarding Respondent' s Medicaid provider status,
5600conditions, requirements or contract.
56048. Upon full execution of this Agreement, the Agency shall enter a Final Order
5618adopting and incorporating the terms of this Agreement and closing the above - styled case.
56339. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorney' s fees.
564510. This Agreement shall become effective on the date upon which it is fully executed
5660by all the parties.
566411. Respondent, for itself and for its related or resulting organizations, its successors
5677or transferees, attorneys, heirs, and executors or administrators, does hereby discharge the State
5690of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration, and its agents, representatives, and attorneys
5703of and from all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, damages, losses, and expenses,
5718of any and every nature whatsoever, arising out of or in any way related to this matter and the
5737Agency' s actions, including, but not limited to, any claims that were or may be asserted in any
5755federal or state court or administrative forum, including any claims arising out of this agreement,
5770by or on behalf of Respondent or related facilities.
577912. This Agreement is binding upon all parties herein and those identified in
5792paragraph eleven ( 11) of this Agreement.
579913. In the event that Respondent was a Medicaid provider at the subject time of the
5815occurrences alleged in the complaint herein, this settlement does not prevent the Agency from
5829seeking Medicaid overpayments related to the subject issues or from imposing any sanctions
5842pursuant to Rule 59G- 9. 070, Florida Administrative Code.
585114. Respondent agrees that if any funds to be paid under this agreement to the Agency
5867are not paid within ninety- one ( 91) days of entry of the Final Order in this matter, the Agency
5887may deduct the amounts assessed against Respondent in the Final Order, or any portion thereof,
5902owed by Respondent to the Agency from any present or future funds owed to Respondent by the
5919Agency, and that the Agency shall hold a lien against present and future funds owed to
5935Respondent by the Agency for said amounts until paid.
594415. The undersigned have read and understand this Agreement and have the authority
5957to bind their respective principals to it.
596416. This Agreement contains and incorporates the entire understandings and
5974agreements of the parties.
597817. This Agreement supersedes any prior oral or written agreements between the
5990parties.
599118. This Agreement may not be amended except in writing. Any attempted
6003assignment of this Agreement shall be void.
601019. All parties agree that a facsimile signature suffices for an original signature.
6023The following representatives hereby acknowledge that they are duly authorized to enter
6035into this Agreement.
6038I UL
6040M McK' r , Deputy Secretary t< zan="" a="" su="" rez="" hurley,="">
6046H 1 Q l' Assurance Atto ney for espondent, Avan e at Bo
6059Agency for Health Care Administration Rato , Inc.
60662727 Mahan Drive, Building 41 Suzanne Suarez Hurley, P. A.
6076Tallahassee, Florida 32308 P. O. Box 13215
6083Tampa, FL., 33681- 3215
6087Florida Bar No. 098577
6091DATED: / 0l1' /' 1 DATED: ` i''
6099William H. Roberts, Counsel Vilma Martinez, Esq."
6106Florida Bar No.: 586617 Florida Bar No. 0075916
6114Office of the General Counsel VP and General Counsel
6123Agency for Health Care Administration Avante Group Inc.
61312727 Mahan Drive, MS # 3 4601 Sheridan Street, Suite 500
6142Tallahassee, Florida 32308 Hollywood, Florida 330231
6148On behalf of and as attorney for Respondent,
6156Avante at Boca Raton, Inc.
6161DATED: I L' I ml/ September 5, 2017
6169DATED:
6170Lourdes Naranjo, Senior Attorney U
6175Florida Bar No. 997315
6179Office of the General Counsel
6184Agency for Health Care Administration
6189525 Mirror Lake Drive North, Suite 330
6196St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
6200DATED: / 7'
6203VGeneral
- Date
- Proceedings
- PDF:
- Date: 08/18/2017
- Proceedings: Joint Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction and Close the File filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 08/09/2017
- Proceedings: Notice of Updated Response to Petitioner's Request for Production filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 07/31/2017
- Proceedings: Order Denying AHCA's Motion to Compel Responses to AHCA's Second Set of Interrogatories and Second Set of Request for Admissions.
- PDF:
- Date: 07/31/2017
- Proceedings: AHCA's Motion to Compel Responses to AHCA's Second Set of Interrogatories and Second Set of Request for Admissions filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 07/31/2017
- Proceedings: Order Denying AHCA's Motion to Compel Avante at Boca Raton to Provide Better Answers to AHCA's First Requests for Admissions.
- PDF:
- Date: 07/31/2017
- Proceedings: Respondent's Motion for Additional Time to Respond to Petitioner's Second Set of Discovery filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 07/13/2017
- Proceedings: Order Denying AHCA's Motion to Compel Responses to Interrogatories and Requests for Production of Documents.
- PDF:
- Date: 07/13/2017
- Proceedings: Order Granting Continuance and Rescheduling Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for September 12, 2017; 9:00 a.m.; Lauderdale Lakes and Tallahassee, FL).
- PDF:
- Date: 06/29/2017
- Proceedings: Respondent's Response to Petitioner's Request for Production filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 06/29/2017
- Proceedings: AHCA's Motion to Compel Avante at Boca Raton to Provide Better Answers to AHCA's First Requests for Admissions filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 06/28/2017
- Proceedings: Response to AHCA's Motion to Shorten Respondent's Time to Respond to AHCA's Second Request for Admissions and AHCA's Second set of Interrogatories filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 06/28/2017
- Proceedings: AHCA's Motion to Shorten the Time for Avante to Respond to AHCA's Second Request for Admissions and AHCA's Second Set of Interrogatories filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 06/26/2017
- Proceedings: AHCA's Motion to Compel Responses to Interrogatories and Requests for Production of Documents filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 06/23/2017
- Proceedings: Notice of Filing Response to Petitioner's Request for Admissions filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 06/12/2017
- Proceedings: AHCA's Notice of Filing Electronic Mail Dated June 9, 2017 filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 06/06/2017
- Proceedings: AHCA's Response to Avante's Motion to Compel Filed on May 30, 2017 filed.
Case Information
- Judge:
- MARY LI CREASY
- Date Filed:
- 05/15/2017
- Date Assignment:
- 05/16/2017
- Last Docket Entry:
- 11/06/2017
- Location:
- Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
- District:
- Southern
- Agency:
- Other
Counsels
-
Shena L. Grantham, Assistant General Counsel
Address of Record -
Thomas M. Hoeler, Esquire
Address of Record -
Suzanne Suarez Hurley, Esquire
Address of Record -
Lourdes A. Naranjo, Esquire
Address of Record -
Shena L. Grantham, Assistant General Counsel
Address of Record -
Shena L Grantham, Esquire
Address of Record -
Shena Grantham, Esquire
Address of Record -
Shena L. Grantham, Esquire
Address of Record