17-004141 The Bridges Nursing And Rehabilitation, Llc, D/B/A The Home Association vs. Agency For Health Care Administration
 Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, July 28, 2017.


View Dockets  

13. The Administrative Complaint seeking license revocation and the Notice of Intent to Deny

15the license renewal application are withdrawn in accordance with the tenns of the Settlement Agreement.

30ORDERED in Tallahassee, Florida, on this ___1_.2_ day 2020.

, 39Deputy Secretary

41h Care Administration

44NOTICE OF RIGHT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW

50A party that is adversely affected by this Final Order is entitled to seek judicial review which shall be

69instituted by filing one copy of a notice of appeal with the agency clerk of AHCA, and a second copy,

89along with filing fee as prescribed by law, with the District Court of Appeal in the appellate district where

108the agency maintains its headquarters or where a party resides. Review of proceedings shall be conducted

124in accordance with the Florida appellate rules. The notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of

142rendition of the order to be reviewed.

149CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

152I HEREBY CERTIFY a true and Finamer served on the below-

163named persons by the method designated on this J1!!:_ day of , 2020.

175'

176Ric . Shoop, gency Clerk

181Agency for Health Care Administration

1862727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop 3

192Tallahassee, Florida 32308

195Telephone (850) 412-3630

198Jan Mills Central Intake Unit,

203Facilities Intake Unit Agency for Health Care Administration

211Agency for Health Care Administration (Electronic Mail)

218(Electronic Mail)

220Bernard Hudson, Unit Manager Pat Caufinan, Field Office Manager

229Long Term Care Unit Local Field Office- Region 05 and 06

240Agency for Health Care Administration Agency for Health Care Administration

250(Electronic Mail) (Electronic Mail)

254Katrina Derico-Hanis Andrew Sheeran, Chief Litigation Counsel

261Medicaid Accounts Receivable Office of the General Counsel

269Agency for Health Care Administration Agency for Health Care Administration

279(Electronic Mail) (Electronic Mail)

283Andrew Thomquest, Assistant General Counsel Michelle Vaughn, President

291Office of the General Counsel Senior Care Group, Inc.

300Agency for Health Care Administration 1240 Marbella Plaza Drive

309(Electronic Mail) Tampa, Florida 33619

314(U.S. Mail)

316Thomas M. Hoeler, ChiefFacilities Counsel Steven A. Grigas, Esq.

325Office of the General Counsel AkermanLLP

331Agency for Health Care Administration Counsel for The Home Association

341(Electronic Mail) steven.grigas@akerman.com

344(Electronic Mail)

346STATE OF FLORIDA

349AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

354STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR

359HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION,

362Petitioner,

363vs. ACHA No.: 2016008295

367License No.: 12400962

370THE BRIDGES NURSING AND, File No.: 62936

377REHABILITATION, LLC d/b/a THE HOME, Provider Type: Nursing Home

386ASSOCIATION

387Respondent.

388ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT

390COMES NOW the Agency for Health Care Administration (hereinafter ··Agency"), by

402and through the undersigned counsel, and files this Administrative Complaint against The Bridges

415Nursing and Rehabilitation, LLC d/b/a The Home Association (hereinafter '·Respondent""),

426pursuant to §§120.569 and 120.57 Florida Statutes, and alleges:

435NATURE OF THE ACTION

439This is an action to revoke the Respondent's license to operate a skilled nursing facility.

454PARTIES

4551. The Agency is the licensing and regulatory authority that oversees skilled nursing

468facilities (also called nursing homes) and enforces the state statutes and rules governing such

482facilities. Ch. 408, Part II, Ch. 400, Part II, Fla. Stat.; Ch. 59A-4, Fla. Admin. Code. The Agency

500is authorized to deny, suspend, or revoke a license, and impose administrative fines pursuant to

515sections 400.121, and 400.23, Florida Statutes, assign a conditional license pursuant to subsection

528400.23(7), Florida Statutes, and assess costs related to the investigation and prosecution of this

542case pursuant to section 400.121, Florida Statutes

549EXH\\B\\T 1

5512. The Respondent was issued a license by the Agency to operate a skil1ed nursing

566facility located at 1203 East 22nd Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33605, and was at all times material

582required to comply with the applicable statutes and rules.

591COUNT I

593Failure to Timely Pay Quality Assessment Fines

6003. Under Florida law, the agency may seek any of the following remedies for failure

615of any nursing homes facility provider to pay its assessments timely: ... (b) suspension or

630revocation of the nursing home facility license. § 409.9082(7), Fla. Stat. (2015).

6424. Pursuant to Florida law,

647( 4) Providers are subject to the following monetary fines pursuant

658to Section 409.9082(7), F.S., for failure to timely pay a quality

669assessment:

670(a) For a facility's first offense, a fine of $500 per day shall be

684imposed until the quality assessment is paid in full, but in no event

697shall the fine exceed the amount of the quality assessment.

707(b) For any offense subsequent to a first offense, a fine of$1 ,000 per

721day shall be imposed until the quality assessment is paid in full, but

734in no event shall the fine exceed the amount of the quality

746assessment. A subsequent offense is defined as any offense within a

757period of five years preceding the most recent quality assessment

767due date.

769(c) An offense is defined as one month's quality assessment

779payment not received by the 20th day of the next succeeding

790calendar month.

792(d) In the event that a provider fails to report their total number of

806resident days as defined in Section 409.9082( 1 )(c), F.S., by the 20th

819day of the next succeeding calendar month, the fines in paragraphs

830(a)-( c) apply and the maximum amount of the fines shall be equal to

844their last submitted quality assessment amount but in no event shall

855the total fine exceed the amount of the quality assessment.

865(5) In addition to the aforementioned fines, providers are also

875subject to the non-monetary remedies enumerated in Section

883409.9082(7), F.S. Imposition of the non-monetary remedies by

891AHCA will be as follows:

896(a) For a third subsequent offense, AHCA will withhold any medical

907assistance reimbursement payments until the assessment is

914recovered.

915(b) For a fourth or greater subsequent offense, AHCA will seek

926suspension or revocation of the facility's license.

933Rule 590-6.010(4) & (5), F.A.C., (2016). (emphasis added).

9415. Respondent's tacility has been assessed Quality Assessment Fees, but has not been

954paying them in a timely manner starting in April 2015.

9646. Respondent has failed to pay these fees by the 20 1 h of the succeeding calendar

981month four or more times.

986WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,

997seeks to revoke Respondent's license to operate a skilled nursing facility

1008COUNT II

1010Termination from Medicaid Program

10147. Under Florida law, in addition to the grounds provided in authorizing statutes,

1027grounds that may be used by the agency for denying and revoking a license or change of ownership

1045application include any of the following actions by a controlling interest: . .. (e) the applicant,

1061licensee, or controlling interest has been or is currendy excluded, suspended, or terminated from

1075participation in the state Medicaid program, the Medicaid program of any other state, or the

1090Medicare program. § 408.815(I)(e), Fla. Stat. (2015). (emphasis added).

10998. Pursuant to Florida law, in addition to any other remedies provided by law, the

1114agency may deny each application or suspend or revoke each license, registration, or certificate of

1129entities regulated or licensed by it: if the applicant, licensee, or a licensee subject to this part which

1147shares a common controlling interest with the applicant has failed to pay all outstanding fines,

1162liens, or overpayments assessed by final order of the agency or final order of the Centers for

1179Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS''), not subject to further appeal, unless a repayment plan

1194is approved by the agency.§ Fla. Stat. (2015).

12029. Under Section 400.121, Florida Statutes, in pertinent "the agency may deny

1214an application, revoke or suspend a license, and impose an administrative fine, not to exceed $500

1230per violation per day for the violation of any provision of this part, part II of chapter 408, or

1249applicable rules, against any app1icant or licensee for the following violations by the applicant,

1263licensee, or other controlling interest: ... (b) an adverse action by a regulatory agency against any

1279other licensed facility that has a common controlling interest with the licensee or applicant against

1294whom the action under this section is being brought. If the adverse action involves solely the

1310management company, the applicant or licensee shall be given 30 days to remedy before final

1325action is taken. If the adverse action is based solely on the actions of a controlling interest, the

1343applicant or licensee may present factors in mitigation of any proposed penalty based upon a

1358showing that such penalty is inappropriate under the circumstances." § 400.121 ( 1 )(b), Fla. Stat.

1374(2015).

137510. Under Florida law, "controlling interest is defined as '"(a) The applicant or licensee;

1390(b) A person or entity that serves as an officer of, is on the board of directors of, or has a 5-percent

1412or greater ownership interest in the applicant or licensee; (c) A person or entity that serves as an

1430officer of, is on the board of directors of, or has a 5-percent or greater ownership interest in the

1449management company or other entity, related or unrelated, with which the applicant or licensee

1463contracts to the man·age the provider. The term does not include a voluntary board member.'' §

1479408.803(7), Fla. Stat. (20 15).

148411. On or about May 4, 2016, Maplewood Care Center, a nursing home facility located

1499in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has its Medicaid provider agreement terminated for cause by CMS.

151212. Additionally, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority terminated Maplewood Care

1522Center's SoonerCare General Provider Agreement.

152713. Senior Care Group, Inc. is listed as a controlling interest of Maplewood Care

1541Center.

154214. Senior Care Group, Inc. is also listed as a controlling interest of The Bridges

1557Nursing and Rehabilitation, LLC.

1561WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,

1572seeks to revoke Respondent's license to operate a skilled nursing facility.

1583CLAIM FOR RELIEF

1586WHEREFORE, the Petitioner, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration,

1597seeks to enter a final order that:

1604I. Renders findings of fact and conclusions of law as set forth above.

16172. Grants the relief set forth above.

1624Respectfully Submitted,

1626Andrew B. Thomquest, Assistant General Counsel

1632Florida Bar No. 0104832

1636Office of the General Counsel

1641Agency for Health Care Administration

16462727 Mahan Drive, MS #3

1651Tallahassee, Florida 32303

1654Telephone:

1655Facsimile: 850-922-9634

1657andrew.thornquest@ahca.myflorida.com

1658NOTICE OF RIGHTS

1661Pursuant to Section 120.569, F.S., any party has the right to request an administrative

1675hearing by filing a request with the Agency Clerk. In order to obtain a formal hearing before

1692the Division of Administrative Hearings under Section 120.57(1), F.S., however, a party must

1705file a request for an administrative hearing that complies with the requirements of Rule 28-

1720106.2015, Florida Administrative Code. Specific options for administrative action are set

1731out in the attached EJection of Rights form.

1739The Election of Rights form or request for hearing must be filed with the Agency Clerk for

1756the Agency for Health Care Administration within 21 days of the day the Administrative

1770Complaint was received. If the Election of Rights form or request for hearing is not timely

1786received by the Agency Clerk by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the 21st day, the right to a

1804hearing will be waived. A copy of the Election of Rights form or request for hearing must

1821also be sent to the attorney who issued the Administrative Complaint at his or her address.

1837The Election of Rights form shall be addressed to: Agency Clerk, Agency for Health Care

1852Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop 3, Tallahassee, FL 32308; Telephone (850)

1864412-3630, Facsimile (850) 921-0158.

1868Any party who appears in any agency proceeding has the right, at his or her own expense, to

1886be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel or other qualified representative.

1897Mediation under Section 120.573, F.S., is available if the Agency agrees, and if available, the

1912pursuit of mediation will not adversely affect the right to administrative proceedings in the

1926event mediation does not result in a settlement.

1934CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

1937I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the Administrative Complaint and

1951Election of Rights form were served to the below named persons/entities by the method designated

1966on this 13th day of September, 2016.

1973Andrew B. Thornquest, Assistant General Counsel

1979Florida Bar No. 0104832

1983Office of the General Counsel

1988Agency for Health Care Administration

19932727 Mahan Drive, MS #3

1998Tallahassee, Florida 32308

2001Telephone: 850-412-3679

2003Facsimile: 850-922-9634

2005andrew. thornquest@ahca.myflorida. com

2008Pat Caufman, Field Office Manager Steven A. Grigas, Respondent's Counsel

2018Local Field Office- Region 6 Akerman LLP

2025Agency for Health Care Administration 106 E. College A venue, Suite 1200

2037(Electronic Mail) Tallahassee, Florida 32301

2042(Electronic Mail )

2045Bernard Hudson, Unit Manager

2049Long Term Care Unit

2053Agency for Health Care Administration

2058(Electronic Mail)

2060STATE OF FLORIDA

2063AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

2068Re: The Bridges Nursing and Rehabilitation, LLC ACHA No. 2016008295

2078d/b/a The Home Association

2082ELECTION OF RIGHTS

2085This Election of Rights form is attached to an Administrative Complaint. It may be returned

2100by mail or facsimile transmission, but must be received by the Agency Clerk within 21 days,

2116by 5:00 pm. Eastern Time, of the day you received the Administrative Complaint. If your

2131Election of Rights form or request for hearing is not received by the Agency Clerk within 21

2148days of the day you received the Administrative Complaint, you will have waived your right

2163to contest the proposed agency action and a Final Order will be issued imposing the sanction

2179alleged in the Administrative Complaint.

2184(Please use this fonn unless you, your attorney or your representative prefer to reply according to

2200Chapterl20, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 28, Florida Administrative Code.)

2209Please return your Election of Rights fonn to this address:

2219Agency for Health Care Administration

2224Attention: Agency Clerk

22272727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #3

2233Tallahassee, Florida 32308

2236Telephone: 850-412-3630 Facsimile: 850-921-0158

2240PLEASE SELECT ONLY 1 OF THESE 3 OPTIONS

2248OPTION ONE (1) I admit to the allegations offact and conclusions oflaw alleged

2261in the Administrative Complaint and waive my right to object and to have a hearing. 1

2277understand that by giving up the right to object and have a hearing, a Final Order will be issued

2296that adopts the allegations of fact and conclusions oflaw alleged in the Administrative Complaint

2310and imposes the sanction alleged in the Administrative Complaint.

2319OPTION TWO (2) I admit to the allegations of fact alleged in the Administrative

2333Complaint, but wish to be heard at an informal proceeding (pursuant to Section 120.57(2),

2347Florida Statutes) where I may submit testimony and written evidence to the Agency to show that

2363the proposed agency action is too severe or that the sanction should be reduced.

2377OPTION THREE (3) I dispute the allegations of fact alleged in the Administrative

2390Complaint and request a formal hearing (pursuant to Section 120.57(1), Florida Statutes) before

2403an Administrative Law Judge appointed by the Division of Administrative Hearings.

2414PLEASE NOTE: Choosing OPTION THREE (3), by itself, is NOT sufficient to obtain a

2428formal hearing. You also must file a written petition in order to obtain a formal hearing before

2445the Division of Administrative Hearings under Section 120.57(1 ), Florida Statutes. It must be

2459received by the Agency Clerk at the address above within 21 days of your receipt of this proposed

2477agency action. The request for fonnal hearing must confonn to the requirements of Rule 28-

24921 06.2015, Florida Administrative Code, which requires that it contain:

25021. The name, address, telephone number, and facsimile number (if any) of the Respondent.

25162. The name, address, telephone number and facsimile number of the attorney or qualified

2530representative of the Respondent (if any) upon whom service of pleadings and other papers shall

2545be made.

25473. A statement requesting an administrative hearing identifying those material facts that are in

2561dispute. Iftherc are none, the petition must so indicate.

25704. A statement ofwhen the respondent received notice of the administrative complaint.

25825. A statement including the file number to the administrative complaint.

2593Mediation under Section 120.573, Florida Statutes, may be available in this matter if the Agency

2608agrees.

2609Licensee Name:

2611Contact Person: Title:

2614Address:------------------------------

2615Number and Street City Zip Code

2621Telephone No.------------- Fax No.-------------

2625E-Mail (optional)------

2627I hereby certify that I am duly authorized to submit this Election of Rights fonn to the Agency for

2646Health Care Administration on behalf of the licensee referred to above.

2657Signed:------·----------- Date:--------

2659Printed Name:--------- _______ Title: ________ _

2665RICK SCOTT

2667GOVERNOR

2668JUSTIN M. SENIOR

2671SECRETARY

2672february 16, 20 17 CERTIFIED

2677SENOfAS RECORD

2679Warren Keene, Adminis1ralor File Numbl·r: 62936

2685Home The License Number; 12400962

26901203 E 22nd Ave Provider Type: Nurl'ing Home

2698Tampa. FL 33605

2701RE: Complaint Number 20170018241203 E 22nd Ave, T;ampa

2710Notice Of Intent To Deny for Renewal

2717It is the decision of this Agency that the Home Association renewal application for the Nursing Home

2734license be DENIED.

2737The Specific Basis for this determination is:

2744Due to Senior Care Group, Inc.'s from the Medicaid program of Oklahoma, and for failure to

2760timely pay quality assessment fines for a fourth or greater time. The stutulory references related to the

2777rt:'. voutti(ln action are the following: Srcrions 408.815( I )(e), 408.831 {i )(a), and 409.9082(7),

2792StaiUies (2016), and Rule 59G-6,010(4) & (5), Florida Administrative Code (2016).

2804EXPLANATION OF RIGHTS

2807Pursuant to Sec·tiun 120.569, F.S., you have the right to request an administrative hearing. In order to

2824obtain a formal procer::ding before rhe Division of Administrative Hearings under Section 120.57( 1), F.S.,

2839your request for an administrative hearing must conform to the requirements in Section 28-106.20 l,

2854Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C), and must state the material facts you dispute.

2866SEE ATTACHED ELECTION AND EXPLANATION OF RIGHTS FORMS.

2874If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call Kathleen Munn at (850} 412-4427 ore-

2891mail at

2893Long Term Care Unit

2897Agency for Health Care Administration

2902cc: Legal Intake Unit, MS# 3

29082727 Mahan Drive • MS#33 Facebook.com/AHCAFiorida Youtube.com/AHCAFiorlda

2915Tallahassee, FL 32308 EXHIBIT 2 Twitter.com/AHCA_FL

2921AHCA.MyFiorlda.com SlldeShare.net/AHCAFiorida

2923Horne

292416,2017

2926STATE OF FLORIDA

2929AGENCY .FOR HEALTH CARE ADJ\ NISTRATION

2934RE: Homt-' Assnciulinn, The

2938Number: 2017001824

2940.ELECTION OF RIGHTS

2943This l:.h:ction of form is Hltadu:>d to a proposed Notice of Intent to Deern Incomplete and Withdraw from

2961Further Review of the for Health Care Administration fAHCAJ. The title may be Notice of Intent to

2978Deem lm:oml>lt·tc and Withdraw from .Furthn RL•\\i(•w or some other notice of action by AHCA.

2993An Election of must he returned by mail or by fax within 21 duys of the da\\' you receive the attached

3014Notice of Intent to Deem lncomplell' and Withdraw from Furthl'r Review or any other proposed action IJ)'

3031AHCA.

3032Jf an Eh.·ctinn of Rights with your selected option is not n•ct•h·cd by AHC A within twenty-one (21) days from

3052the date you received this notice of proposed you will have given up your right to contest the Agc-ncy'.o,

3071action and a final order be isstu:d.

3078(PI<_·;n reply="" usji1!!="" you,="" yom="" youj="" prcft:r="">

3079ac.-ording to and Rul(; n. Florida Admini:Matin: Code.)

3087Agency for Health Care Administration

3092Allention: Agency Clerk

30952727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #3

3101Tallahassee, florida 32308

3104Phone: (850) 412-3630 Fax: (850) 921-0158

3110OPTION ONE (I) __ I admit to the allegations of facts and Jaw contained in the Notice of Intent to Deem

3131Incomplete and Withdraw from .Further or other notice of intended action by AHCA and I waive

3147my right to object and have a hearing. 1 understand that by giving up my right to a hearing. a final order will

3170be issued that the proposed agency action and imposes the proposed penalty, fine or action.

3185OPTJON TWO (2) __ I admit to the allegations of facts l'Ontained in the Notirl' of Intent to Deem

3204Incomplete and Withdra" from J

3209heard at an informal proceeding to Section I 20.57(2), Horidu where I may submit

3223testimony and written evidence to the Agency to show that the propoi.ed administmtive action is too severe or that

3242the fine should be

3246OPTION THREE (3) __ I dispute the allegations of fact contained in the Notice of Intent to Deem

3264lncomplcf(• and \\\\'ithdraw from Further Rcl-'iew or other proposed action by AHCA, and I request a

3280formal hearing lpunuant to Section 120.:)7( 1). Florida Statutes} before an Administrative Law Judge appointed

3295by the Division of Administrative Hearing:-;.

3302Home Association. The

3305February 16. 20 J 7

3310Page #2

3312PLEASE NOTE: Choosing OPTION THREE 0), by itself, is NOT sufficient tu obtain a formal hearing.

3328You also must file a written petition in onkr In ohtain a formul hearinp. heforL' the of Administrative

3346llearings unun Suhscction 120.57( I). Florid;\\ Stillutes. It must he received hy the Ag.;ncy Clerk at the

3365ahO\\e within 21 nf receipt of lhi..; proposeJ udministrative action. The request for formul hearing must

3381conform to the rcquircmems of Rule 28-I06.20l, FJoriJa Administrative Code, which that it contain:

3395I. The name anJ <..hjdress of="" t•ach="" agency="" affected="" and="" each="" agency's="" file="" or="" identification="" number.="">

3399known;

34002. Your name, address, and telephonL' number, and the rwmc, address, and telephone number or your

3416reprt!selllntive or lawyer. if any:

3421An explana!ion of how your 'itlbstantinl interests will he affected hy the Agency's proposed

3435action;

34364. A statement of when amJ how you recci ved notir:c of the Agency's proposed action;

34525. A stakl1ll!l1t of all disputed issues of nwterial fal.'t. If there nrc none, you must state rhat there are

3472none:

3473fJ. A concise statement of the ultimate facts

3481reversal or modification nf the Agency's proposed action;

34897. A statement of the rules or statutes you claim rcyuire rcwrsal or nlodification of

3504Agency's proposed act ion; and

3509g. A sl3512-actly w·hat action you wish the Agency to take

3521with respect to its proposed action.

3527t :-.'kdiat ion undt•r Sect inn l20 .. "i7J, Florida Statutes, nu y he 11 v;!i lahk in 1 his matter if the Agency agrees. l

3554Type: Nursing Horne License Number: 12400962

3560Licensee Name: Home A!-.!'ociation, The

3565Contact Person:

3567Name Tirlc

3569/ I • ,r : ' I

3576City

3577Telephone Nhr.: Fax Nbr.:

3581I herehy that I am duly authorized to :-.ubmit this Notice of Election of Rights 10 the Agt!ncy lor Health

3601Care Administration on behalf of the referred to above.

3610Signed.:..:------------------ Date:

3612Prinl :lc·:

3614AGENCY HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

3618STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR

3623HEAL TII CARE ADM1NIS1RATION,

3627Petitioner,

3628v. AHCA Nos.: 2016008295

36322020012273

3633THE BRIDGES NURSING AND

3637REHABILITATION, LLC dlb/a THE HOME Lice.nse No.: 12400962

3645ASSOCIATION,

3646File No.: 62936

3649Respondent.

3650TilE BRIDGES NURSING AND

3654REHABILITATION, LLC d/b/a Tim HOl\E

3659ASSOCIATION,

3660Petitioner,

3661v. AHCA No.: 2017001824

3665STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR

3670HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION,

3673Respondent

3674SETTLEM};NT AGREEMENT

3677State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration ("the Agency"). and The Bridges

3692Nursing and Rehabilitation, LLC dlbla The Home Association ( .. the Home Association"), pursuant

3707to Section 120.57(4), Florida Statutes, enter into this Settlement Agreement ("Agreement") and

3721agree as follows:

3724WHEREAS, the Horne Association is a Killed nursing facility, commonly referred to as

3737a nursing home, was licensed pursuant to Chapter 408, Part ill and Chapter 400, Part IL Florida

3754Statutes, and Chapter 59A-4, Florida Administrative Code; and

3762EX:HJBil" 3

3764WHEREAS, the Agency has jurisdiction by virtue of being the licensing and reguJatocy

3777authority over the Home Association; and

3783WHEREAS, the Agency issued an Administrative Complaint (AHCA #2016008295)

3792alleging two (2) licensure violations on September 13, 2016. The first violation aHeged was that

3807the Home Association had been assessed Quality Assessment Fees, but had not been making timely

3822payments starting in APril of 2015 and continued for more than four successive payments. The

3837second v.iolation alleged was that the Home Association's one hundred percent (100%) contro1ling

3850interest, Senior Care Group, Inc. was the one hundred percent (1 00%) controlling interest of an

3866entity that was terminated from the Medicaid pmgram of another state. The Agency sought to

3881revoke the Home Associations license to operate ll skilled nursing facility due to the two allege

3897licensure violations; and

3900WHEREAS, The Home Association has continued to timely submit renewal applications

3911to renew its license to operate a nursing home facility; and

3922WHEREAS, the Agency subsequently sent the Home Association a Notice of Intent to

3935Deny for Renewal ("NOI,.) letter (ABCA #2017001824) on February 16, 2017 based on the

3951allegation that its controlling interest Senior Care Group, Inc. had been the controlling interest of

3966an entity that was terminated for cause from the Medicaid pl'Ogt'8nt. of Oklahoma, and had failed

3982to timely pay quality assessment fmes for a fourth or greater time; and

3995WHEREAS, the Agency conducted a life safety equipment survey on or about November

40087, 2018 and is prepared to issue an AdministratiVe Complaint (AHCA #2020012273) alleging

4021three (3) uncorrected Class ill violations in the areas of Sprinkler System - Maintenance and

4036Testing, Corridor- Doors, and Communicating openings in dividing fire barriers. AJ! together, the

4049action could have resulted in the imposition of three thousand dollm ($3,000.00) in fines; and

4065Page2of8

4066requested li formal hearing for both tbe

4073administrative complaint and the NOJ letter by filing an election ofrights form and a petition for

4089a fOIIIllil hearing pursuant to § 120.57(1), Fla. Stat.; and

4099WHEREAS, the Home Association filed a petition for relief under Chapter 1l of the

4113Bankruptcy Code, pending in the Unjted States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida

4128(the "Bankruptcy Com·es); and

4132WHEREAS, the Home Association has filed a Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization

4144("Plan"), pursuant to which SeaCaost Elite Management, Znc. ("SeaCoast'') is providing financial

4159support for the Home Association, and is obtaining the right to designate the board members of

4175Senior Care GJ'oUp 1 such that the members of the Vaughan family shall have no control of Senim·

4193Carr:; Group or its the Association;

4199\\VHEREAS, the parties have agreed that a fair, efficient, and cost effective resolution of

4213this dispute would avoid the expenditure of substantial sums to litigate the dispute; and

4227WHEREAS, the patties stipulate to the adequacy of considerations exchanged; and

4238the parties have negotiated in good faith and agreed that the best interest of

4252all the parties will be served by a settlement of this prooeeding; and

4265NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and recitals herein, the

4277parties intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

42861. All recitals herein are true and correct and are expressly incorporated herein.

42992. All parties agree that the above ''whereas" clauses incorporated herein are binding

4312findings of the parties.

43163. Upon full execution of this Agreement, the Home Association agrees to waive any

4330and ali appeals and proceedings to which it may be entitled including, but not limited to, an

4347informal proceeding under Subsection 120.57(2), Florida Statutes, a formal proceeding under

4358Page3 oft!

4360Subsection 120.57(1), Florida Statutes, appeals under Section 120.68. Florida Statutes; and

4371declaratory and all writs of relief in any court or quasi-court of competent jurisdiction; and agrees

4387to waive compliance with the form of the Final Order (findings of fact: and conclusions of law) to

4405which it may be provided, however, that this agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by

4421either party of its right to judicial enforcement of this Agreement.

44324. Upon full execution of this Agreement, the Parties stipulate as follows:

444411. Upon entry of a Final Order of the Agency referenced in paragraph 7 below, the

4460Home Association agrees to pay the Agency the sum of one million

4472hundred seventy thousand seven hundred ninety-eight dollars and forty--eight

4481cents($! ,870,798.48) in full settlement of obligations to the Agency

4492on

4493bankruptcy Plan in the amount of one million dollars ($l,OOOJOOO.OO), and by

4506thereafter making quarterly payments of ninety thousand dollars ($9{),000.00)

4516until the Agency has received the sum total owed.

4525b. Upon the issuance of a Final Order a.doptillg this agreement the Agency shall

4539withdraw its revocation actions in its administrative complaint; and withdraw

4549its NOI letter.

4552c. Upon the issuance of a Final Order adopting this agreement, the Agency shall

4566promptly resume its review of the Home Association's two (2) renewal

4577applications. If the renewal applications are and in compliance of all

4588the requirements of Florida Statutes and Agency the license shall be

4599issued. If there are still any outstanding legal issues. the Agency shall promptly

4612notify the Provider of the issues. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the

4625Agency from again denying the application based upon any statute or rule, and

4638Pfl2e4 of8

4640applicable, an unsatisfactory licensure survey, Should the application

4648denied, the Home Association shall afforded aU rights under Florida law to

4660contest the denial.

4663d. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted as a derogation or expansion of

4677the Agency's licensure responsibilities law. No provision of this

4686Agreement shall be interpreted as a commitment by either party to enter into an

4700agreement for the transfer of the Home Association's licensure to a third party

4713or a commitment of the Agency to grant licensure or recommend certification

4725to any such change of ownership applicant.

4732e. The failure to comply this Agreement shaH constitute grounds for the

4744of s.ny fiJttnr

4747increase, or otherwise) filed by the Home Association or any change of

4759ownership applicant

4761f. A Federal bankruptcy court order confirming the Home Association•s Plan,

4772with tenns consistent wi1h the financial treatment contained herein, and

4782approving this Agreement is a condition precedent to the entirety of paragraph

47944 ofthis Agreement Should this condition not be met, this Agreement becomes

4806null and void and tbe Agency's NOI and complaint prosecution actions shaH

4818proceed in due course, and the Home Association's election of rights will

4830preswne to stand, wjthout any waiver of i1s due process rights.

4841S. Vonue for any action brought to intetpret, enforce or chailenge the terms of this

4856Agreement and its corresponding Final Order shall lie solely in the Circuit Court of Florida, in and

4873for Leon County) Florida.

48776. By executing this Agreement, the Home Association does not admit the facts and

4891PageS of8

4893legal conclusions raised in the administrative complaints and the NOI referenced and the

4906Agency asserts the validity thereof. The Agency is not precluded from using the subject events for

4922any puipose within the jurisdiction of the Agency other than the actions aJready sought in the

4938administrative complaint and NOL Further, the Home Association acknowledges and agrees that

4950this Agreement shall not preclude or estop any other federal, state or local agency or office from

4967pursuing any cause of action or taking any action, even on or arising from, in whole or in

4985part 1 the facts raised in the administrative complaint or NOL

49967. Upon full execution of this Agreement, the Agency shall enter a Final Order

5010adopting and incorporating the terms of this Agreement and closing the above-styled case.

50238. Each party shall bear its o·wn costs and attorney's

50339. OJ

5035successors, transferees, attorneys, heil's, and executors or administrators, discharges the State of

5047Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration, and its agents, representatives, and attorneys, of

5060and ft"Om all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, damages, losses, and expenses, of

5076any and every nature whatsoever, arising out of or in any way related to this matter and the

5094Agency's actions, including, but not limited to, any claims that were or may be asserted in any

5111federaJ or state court or administrative forum, including any claims arising out of this agreement.

5126by or on behalf of the Home Association or its related or resulting organizations.

514010. This Agreement is binding upon all parties and those persons and entities that are

5155identified in the above paragraph.

516011. · In the event that the Home Association was a Medicaid provider at the time of the

5178occurrences alleged in the administrative complaint and NOI letter, this Agreement does not

5191prevent the Agency from seeking Medicaid ove.tpayments not inctuded in the original charging

5204documents related to the subject issues or from imposing any further sanctiol18 pursuant to Rule

5219Page6 of8

5221590-9.070, Florida Administrative Code. l11is Agreement does not settle any pending or potential

5234Federal agaiMt Agreement not the Agency from

5241taking any action regarding the Home Association' Medicaid provider status, conditions)

5252requirements or contract, if appLicable.

525712. The Home Association agrees that if any funds to be paid under this Agreement tn

5273the Agency are not timely paid as set forth in this Agreement 1 the Agency may dednct the amounts

5292assessed against the Home Association in the Final Order, or any portion thereof, owed by the

5308Home Association to the Agency from any present o1· futut-e fund.s owed to the Home Association

5324by the Agency, and that the Agency shaH bold a lien against present and future funds owed to the

5343Home Association by the Agency said amounts until paid.

5352understand thir-; llllthority

5355to bind their respective principals to it The Home Association, through its representatives, has the

5370legal capacity to execute this Agreement The Home Association understands that it has the right

5385to consult with jts own independent oounseJ and has knowingly and freely entered into this

5400Agreement The Home Association understands that Agency counsel repl'esents only the Agency

5412and that Agency counsel has not provlded any legal advice to, or the Home

5426Association, or its representatives in their decision to enter into this Agreement

543814. This Agreement contains the entire understandings and agreements of the parties.

5450This Agreement supersedes any prior oral or written agreements between the parties. This

5463Agreement may not be amended except in writing. Any attempted assignment of this Agreement

5477shall be void.

548015. All parties agree that a facsimile signatrue suffices for an original signature.

549316. The following representatives acknowledge that they are duly authorized to enter

5505into this Agreement.

5508Page7of8

5509' .. 'Tl, Ik.nu A.

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5525Jffice ofthe f'Jellcral ('.ounse

5529Agency for Health C.are Adm · ntslratir

55362717 1\\ia.han Drivf., MS #7

5541lttllaha · florida, 32' 0

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PDF
Date
Proceedings
PDF:
Date: 12/02/2020
Proceedings: Agency Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 11/17/2020
Proceedings: Agency Final Order
PDF:
Date: 10/21/2020
Proceedings: Settlement Agreement filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/21/2020
Proceedings: Agency Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/20/2020
Proceedings: Agency Final Order
Date: 08/16/2017
Proceedings: Agency Final Order filed.
Date: 08/16/2017
Proceedings: Agency Final Order filed.
Date: 08/16/2017
Proceedings: Agency Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 08/16/2017
Proceedings: Agency Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 08/14/2017
Proceedings: Agency Final Order
PDF:
Date: 07/28/2017
Proceedings: Order Closing Files and Relinquishing Jurisdiction. CASE CLOSED.
PDF:
Date: 07/28/2017
Proceedings: Suggestion of Bankruptcy filed.
Date: 07/27/2017
Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
PDF:
Date: 07/27/2017
Proceedings: Order of Consolidation (DOAH Case Nos. 17-4141).
PDF:
Date: 07/25/2017
Proceedings: Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/25/2017
Proceedings: Notice of Appearance (Thomas Range) filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/20/2017
Proceedings: Initial Order.
PDF:
Date: 07/19/2017
Proceedings: Notice of Intent to Deny for Renewal filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/19/2017
Proceedings: Request for Formal Administrative Hearing filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/19/2017
Proceedings: Notice (of Agency referral) filed.

Case Information

Judge:
MARY LI CREASY
Date Filed:
07/19/2017
Date Assignment:
07/27/2017
Last Docket Entry:
12/02/2020
Location:
Tallahassee, Florida
District:
Northern
Agency:
Other
 

Counsels

Related Florida Statute(s) (9):