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State investigations underway into deaths at Hollywood nursing home
South Florida Sun Sentinel - 9/14/2017
Sept. 14--The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration have launched an investigation into the eight deaths at The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, Gov. Rick Scott announced Wednesday.
According to Scott, the nursing home had reported it had power and access to fans and spot coolers provided by Memorial Healthcare.
"I am going to aggressively demand answers on how this tragic event took place. Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable," Scott said. "Every facility that is charged with caring for patients must take every action and precaution to keep their patients safe -- especially patients that are in poor health."
DCF and AHCA have been directed to work with local authorities. Hollywood Police announced Wednesday they had started a criminal investigation.
"If they find that anyone wasn't acting in the best interests of their patients, we will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Scott said.
Of Florida's 309 hospitals, 10 remain closed after Hurricane Irma.
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dsweeney@SunSentinel.com, 954-356-4605 or Twitter @Daniel_Sweeney
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