News Release - McCollum Deploys Law Enforcement Teams to Check Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities

Enter search here

Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release

August 20, 2008

en Español

Print Version

Media Contact: Sandi Copes
Phone: (850) 245-0150

McCollum Deploys Law Enforcement Teams to Check Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities

~ Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will perform checks to ensure residents are safe, conditions are secure ~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that he has deployed teams of sworn law enforcement to at least three Florida counties to check on residents of the state’s nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other care facilities. At least 20 Medicaid Fraud Control investigators will check more than 200 facilities in Monroe, Collier and Lee counties to ensure the safety and well-being of Medicaid recipients housed in those facilities.

“In the aftermath of storms, it is important to ensure the safety and security of our vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General McCollum.

The investigators will assess the physical site to determine whether it is habitable and will report any safety issues to the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Children and Families. Investigators can check for a variety of concerns, including an inability to keep medications properly refrigerated or non-functioning medical devices because of a lack of electricity. The investigators also have the ability to initiate any on-site enforcement for criminal violations by care providers or facility employees.

The types of facilities which will be checked include group homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The investigators will deploy from the Attorney General’s offices in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Ft. Myers for these initial checks. The Attorney General will continue to monitor the progress of the storm and will determine whether additional deployments are necessary once safety and damage concerns are identified.