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Florida Files Suit For Access To VA Hospitals
June 6, 2014
The state Agency for Health Care Administration, at the urging of Gov. Rick Scott, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking access for state inspectors to Veterans Administration hospitals and documents.
Scott said Thursday in a prepared statement he is “committed to righting the wrongs experienced by Florida’s veterans at the hands of the federal VA.” The lawsuit was filed against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in U.S. District Court in Tampa.
The state is seeking access so inspectors can determine if the health-care needs of veterans are being met. A spokeswoman for the VA declined to comment on pending litigation.
In the lawsuit, the state agency claims an inability to investigate “numerous troubling complaints from veterans” about substandard patient care and conditions at VA facilities. The complaint also notes the federal agency has “made abundantly clear” it has no interest in partnering with the state agency on the six VA hospitals and other VA-run facilities in Florida.
According to AHCA, state staff members were denied access to Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville on May 19. Also, between April 3 and April 14 they were blocked from access to medical clinics in Gainesville, Lake City, Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach.
Scott has been accused by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist of using the VA issue — which is playing out across the nation — as a “political tool.”
by The News Service of Florida
Comments
4 Responses to “Florida Files Suit For Access To VA Hospitals”
I’m sure Charlie “Chameleon” Crist is best equipped to recognize a “political tool” when he sees one for after all, Charlie is political and Charlie is a tool.
I am a veteran and do not want Rick Scott in my VA clinic.
@bigbill—I am guessing that if Scott hadn’t done it, then Crist would have accused him of not caring about the veterans. Isn’t politics wonderful!
Scott has been accused by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist of using the VA issue — which is playing out across the nation — as a “political tool.”
Charlie Crist = Captain Obvious