Action News Jax Investigates: Northeast Florida nursing home not following new generator rules

A local nursing home could be endangering the elderly people it’s supposed to be caring for around the clock.

State regulators say W. Frank Wells Nursing Home in Macclenny is just one of three in the state not complying with post-Hurricane Irma rules on having power generators.

The new rule follows the heat-related deaths of more than a dozen people at a south Florida nursing home during hurricane Irma.

Action News Jax Ben Becker went to the nursing home looking for an answers from an administrator.

“I’m afraid I don’t have any comment,” said the administrator.

When pressed if patients are being endangered, the man said “no.”

Action News Jax also found out this new rule affects more than nursing homes. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs said about 1,000 assisted living facilities are not complying either. Thirty-four of them are in Northeast Florida, including 23 in Duval County, six in Clay County and five in St. Johns County.

Facilities not in compliance by Wednesday will be hit with a daily $1,000 fine and possibly lose their license.

In its most recent state inspection, W. Frank Wells received an overall rating of four out of five stars.

Cox Media Group