ABC News reported on July 20, 2010 that the owner and operator of five assisted living facilities in Florida was arrested recently for the illegal and negligent operation of those care centers. Three of the five facilities had no state license. In June, the county deemed two of the unlicensed facilities “unfit for habitation.” The arrest followed an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s Patient Abuse Neglect and Exploitation team. The owner faces a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. If convicted, the owner will not only be charged with the negligent operation of her facilities, but also with fraud. States require advanced care facilities to maintain a license as the most basic level of insurance that proper care will be provided – willfully neglecting to do so is a flagrant offense.
If you believe that a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect because because a care center failed to do its job, take action and contact the Kosieradzki Smith Law Firm online or call us toll free at (877) 552-2873 to set up a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
