TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott took emergency actions requiring the immediate installation of life-safety features in assisted living facilities and nursing homes following eight deaths at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills in Broward County. Governor Scott’s emergency rules include a mandatory inspection of all newly-installed generators at assisted living facilities and nursing homes to be completed by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. In response to Governor Scott’s emergency actions, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today issued the following statement.

 

CFO Patronis said, “First and foremost, my heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of those who died due to this entirely avoidable tragedy. While there’s nothing that can undo this disgraceful disaster, steps can and should be taken to ensure that it never happens again. Governor Scott's emergency rules demanding generators in nursing homes and assisted living facilities will help protect our vulnerable population during emergencies and natural disasters.

 

'Our office is working quickly to develop a thorough statewide inspection plan, as the emergency rules require. We look forward to providing all parties with the assistance and resources needed to ensure the safety of all Floridians, and to engaging in discussions about long-term solutions during the upcoming legislative session.”

 

Additional details regarding the State Fire Marshal’s inspection plan will be released in the coming days.

 

The emergency rules can be viewed below:
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Florida Department of Elder Affairs