The answer to the question of which Florida nursing homes have patients or employees that have tested positive for the coronavirus is a complicated one. As experienced nursing home abuse attorneys, we’re concerned for the safety of the nursing home and assisted living facilities (ALF) residents.
Despite requests by multiple news agencies, the names of nursing homes in Florida that have been impacted by the coronavirus remain a mystery. State agencies claim medical privacy although other states, including Tennessee and Washington, have released the information.
How many nursing homes have been impacted by the coronavirus?
As of Monday, March 30, there were 67 COVID-19 cases in Florida long-term care facilities. The breakdown by county includes 21 in Broward, 19 in Duval, seven in Baker, two in Bradford and two in Clay.
Have any nursing homes been named?
Atria Willow Wood in Broward County was named as a coronavirus hot spot by the city of Fort Lauderdale. Five residents have died, thirteen have tested positive and one employee is quarantined after testing positive.
Camellia at Deerwood, an assisted living facility in Jacksonville, has been linked to three coronavirus deaths. The information was obtained through a public record’s request of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division. At least seven residents at Cemellia at Deerwood have tested positive to the coronavirus.
Macclenny Nursing & Rehab Center in Baker County has reported four positive coronavirus cases but no deaths.
Taylor Manor in Jacksvonville has one patient that has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Why is it important to know the names of the nursing homes with coronavirus cases?
AARP has called upon Florida’s leaders to release the names of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In a letter to Florida’s Agency for Healthcare Administration, AARP’s Director Jeff Johnson asks the state to show the information it is relying on to hold back the names of the facilities. “What we do not know, and what Floridians with family members in long-term care facilities or who have interplay with those facilities are desperate to know, is which facilities have reported cases,” Johnson wrote in his letter.
Reports from Washington State have shown that coronavirus cases within nursing homes are particularly fatal. Family members of residents have the right to be concerned about their loved ones.
If you’re concerned about your loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility in Florida, give us a call at (305) 670-0101 or email us at info@bhfloridalaw.com.
