At Beltz & Beltz, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of individuals who have suffered harm due to the negligence or abuse of others. Recently, we have become aware of concerning news regarding Florida nursing home violations and the system’s lack of transparency and accountability.
According to a recent article published in the Tampa Bay Times, state inspectors found grossly inadequate staffing at the Destin Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, resulting in over 100 residents being rushed out to nearby nursing homes. Shocking cases of neglect and abuse were detailed in reports, including a resident with a plant growing from her arm, a resident with two fentanyl patches on their arm, and a wound dressing that hadn’t been changed in nearly 20 days.
What’s worse is that until earlier this month, the May 6 inspection report and others detailing serious violations were missing from state records that help the public vet nursing homes. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration regulates the state’s long-term care facilities and runs the website that publishes inspections. However, the missing reports came to light when the Tampa Bay Times found that eight of 83 severe violations in Florida nursing homes last year were missing from the state website that publishes inspections.
The agency posted the missing reports to its website the day after a Times reporter asked about them, citing a “technological glitch” as the cause of the omission. However, families of residents and nursing home advocates say that the missing inspections take a steep toll when consumers need to choose a nursing home quickly, and they struggle to find information about a facility’s prior care history.
At Beltz & Beltz, we believe that consumers, especially families of residents who need to make quick decisions about a nursing home, should have access to complete information about a facility’s prior history of care. The state and federal governments need to ensure transparency and accountability to guarantee the safety and well-being of residents in nursing homes.
We urge individuals concerned about nursing home violations to seek the assistance of experienced attorneys who can advocate for their rights. Beltz & Beltz has represented clients in personal injury cases, including nursing home negligence and abuse for years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you. To learn more about nursing home abuse, tap here.
