How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Florida
No one wants to think about it, but there are many reasons you or your family may have to report nursing home abuse. Although nursing homes should provide a safe living environment for seniors, fraud, neglect, and abuse are all too common in these facilities. If you feel as though your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, there are two ways you can report it. The option that is right for you will depend on the type of abuse you are reporting. Below, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney explains further.
How to Report Medicaid Fraud in Nursing Homes
Medicaid fraud is more common in nursing homes than many people think. Medicaid fraud can take many forms including over-billing, charging for services not rendered, and more. If a nursing home is committing Medicaid fraud, it is important to report it. It is also more likely that a nursing home is engaging in other dishonest activities if they are committing fraud, such as overcharging their residents.
You can report Medicaid fraud online with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). You should be prepared to provide as much infraction as possible. This includes:
- The name of the facility,
- The Medicaid ID number of the nursing home,
- The dates when your family member received care in the facility,
- An approximate amount of the money involved, and
- A brief explanation regarding why you suspect Medicaid fraud.
If you suspect Medicaid fraud, you should also review all of your invoices, contracts, and account statements. A lawyer can review these documents with you to determine if your loved one has been treated properly.
How to Report Neglect or Abuse in Nursing Homes
If you suspect general abuse or neglect in your loved one’s nursing home, you should report it to the Florida Department of Health (DOH) as soon as possible. You can only do this online, as the agency does not accept reports of abuse or neglect over the phone. However, the Department does guarantee that the identities and records of patients remain confidential.
The DOH will conduct an investigation any time they get a report of abuse or neglect, but that does take time. In most instances, nursing home residents do not have the time to wait for the investigation. Due to this, it is important to not only report abuse and neglect to the DOH, but also to speak to a lawyer who can provide the immediate help you need.
Call Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Tampa for a Free Consultation
Learning that your loved one has been the victim of neglect or abuse is devastating. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stop it, and to obtain compensation for your loved one’s medical bills and other losses. At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney can help you navigate the system and handle the legal details of your case so you can focus on helping your family move forward. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
ahca.myflorida.com/health-care-policy-and-oversight/bureau-of-field-operations/complaint-administration-unit
apps.ahca.myflorida.com/mpi-complaintform/
