Pines of Sarasota complaints found to be violations of federal Nursing Home Reform Act and state law during 2017 visit
Pines of Sarasota complaints at this Sarasota nursing home were documented by state investigators during a complaint investigation and annual survey. This investigation led to Pines of Sarasota being cited for numerous violations of state and federal law.
Pines of Sarasota is a 204 bed not-for-profit nursing home located at 1501 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236. The license holder for this nursing home is a limited liability company called Pines of Sarasota Healthcare, LLC. Pines of Sarasota was previously fined by the State of Florida in the amount of $1,000.00 during 2016.
As of December 7, 2017, the website “Nursing Home Compare” operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) gave Pines of Sarasota 2 out of 5 stars, a below average rating, based upon data that is reported to this federal agency.
Pines of Sarasota cited for multiple Class III deficiencies during 2017 inspection at this Sarasota nursing home
In connection with the June 8, 2017 survey, Pines of Sarasota was cited for failing to ensure that one or more residents received their right to adequate and appropriate healthcare. Other issues found by Florida officials during this onsite investigation included the failure to provide an environment free of accident hazards with adequate supervision of residents and the provision of devices necessary for resident assistance. Pines of Sarasota’s nursing home was also found to have failed to comply with F-Tag 441 — the failure to maintain an adequate infection control program designed to prevent the spread of infection. The additional violations cited against Pines of Sarasota may be viewed below.
The Pines of Sarasota complaints and history of deficiencies and violations of law documented by state investigators with the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration may be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/yb5grs88
Lack of infection control in Florida nursing homes is a serious problem
Infection control is a real problem in Florida nursing homes. Many infectious organisms such as e. coli, MRSA, c. diff., enterococcus, and pseudomonas flourish in nursing homes. These bacteria and other viruses are passed by staff members from one resident to the next. The reason? Staff are too busy or lack the discipline to simply wash their hands. Under-staffing to save money can increase the risk of infection in a nursing home. If you see staff changing wound dressings or providing other care without washing their hands, report them anonymously to the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration at (888) 419-3456.
Have questions about Pines of Sarasota or another Florida nursing home? Call Sarasota nursing home abuse lawyer James Keim for a free, confidential consultation at (941) 485-7600.
My law practice is concentrated on fighting to improve the quality of nursing home care for our seniors and to prevent the abuse and neglect of our elders in Florida nursing homes. While the State of Florida enforces violations of regulations against nursing homes, fines are rare. In the absence of significant monetary penalties, Florida nursing home corporations have little incentive to clean up their act. That is where you can make a difference. Actions brought against nursing home corporations to hold them accountable are the only threat that forces them to follow the safety rules that exist to protect our elders. If you wish to discuss a potential case against a Florida nursing home or assisted living facility, please fee free to call me for a free, confidential consultation at (941) 485-7600.
