A Florida Senate committee is investigating allegations that the state's Department of Elder Affairs illegally interfered with a watchdog program that is supposed to protect the rights of residents in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.The Senate Committee on Children, Families and Elder Affairs has scheduled a hearing Tuesdayto question the elder affairs staff following a highly critical report from the federal government a month ago that showed repeated violations.
The report, from the Administration on Aging, cited numerous problems with the department's oversight of the state's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
It criticized the Department of Elder Affairs for what it described as muzzling the ombudsman program's communication with the media and restricting its ability to lobby the Legislature on behalf of nursing-home residents.
The report also faulted the department's selection and firing of volunteers who make up the bulk of the watchdog program's work force, saying that "it must be clear to the volunteers that they work for and are answerable only to the Long Term Care Ombudsman."
Department Secretary Charles Corley has maintained that his office violated no laws and is committed to "ensuring the independence" and integrity of the ombudsman program.
But legislators from both political parties have expressed serious concerns. Democratic state Sen. Nan Rich, vice-chairman of the Children, Families and Elder Affairs committee, said both she and committee chairman Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Brandon, were alarmed by what seems to be a lack of independence of the long-term care ombudsman program.
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Senate Probes 'Interference' Into Nursing Home Watchdog Program
I am pleased that FL is taking a strong look at elder abuse in all forms.
ReplyDeleteLegislators from both political parties may have expressed serious concerns, and they may pretend to care, but in the end, the problem will be ignored.
ReplyDeleteNot by me! I'll never retire to Florida!
ReplyDelete