Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center Violated Federal Law and Fined according to Florida Investigators
As a nursing home abuse lawyer who handles cases throughout Sarasota County and surrounding communities, I review and report on area nursing homes. During 2015, local nursing home, Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center, was fined a total of $8,000.00 and issued a conditional license based upon the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration’s finding that this nursing home was not in substantial compliance with state and federal law.
On January 25, 2016, Florida investigators returned to Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is located at 1507 Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34239 to conduct an inspection at this local nursing home. Following that inspection, the Agency cited Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center in violation of the federal Nursing Home Reform Act as well as finding that the facility failed to meet the Minimum Standards for Nursing Homes under the Florida Administrative Code. All together, 13 deficiencies were cited against Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is operated by Consulate Healthcare. Consulate is a large nursing home chain based in Maitland, Florida. The current administrator of this nursing home is Louise E. Merrick.
What to Consider in Searching for a Nursing Home
If you are considering placing a loved one in a nursing home, take the time to do your homework. Visit the facility on at least three occasions and at different times of day. How does the nursing home smell? Do the residents seem happy and clean and well fed? Does it appear that adequate staff members are around to provide needed care and assistance? Or, are residents calling out for help without any response? Also, go online at floridahealthfinder.gov and read the surveys and complaints for the nursing home. What does their recent track record look like? Most importantly: during the admission process, refuse to sign any paper that contains the word “arbitration.” In other words, do not agree to and do not sign an arbitration agreement. Nursing homes use them to insulate themselves from liability. They frequently get a free pass when they provide poor care if an arbitration clause has been signed, thereby waiving important legal rights. Arbitration is voluntary and you have the right to refuse. Cross it out and make it clear that you do not agree to arbitration in the event a dispute arises.
If you are a former employee of Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center who has knowledge about issues, concerns or problems at this facility and the company that owns and operates it, I would urge you to contact me at (941) 485-7600.
Have Questions about Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center or another Nursing Home
I am available for A Free Consultation in Sarasota. If you have questions about a Florida nursing home or wish to discuss a potential case of abuse and neglect with a Sarasota nursing home abuse lawyer who has evaluated and handled hundreds of claims, please feel free to call me, James Keim, Attorney at Law at (941) 485-7600. I always provide a free consultation and personally handle every case, and you will not be passed off to some middleman or junior level associate. All cases are handled on a contingency fee and cost basis. This means that you pay no fee or costs unless we obtain a settlement, award or verdict.
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