BRADENTON, Fla. -- Visitors are still not allowed inside long-term care facilities, though there are exceptions to the emergency rule from Governor Ron DeSantis, including end-of-life care from Hospice workers.  However, Spectrum Bay News 9 has learned not all facilities are complying. 

Kelly Belisle of Bradenton said it started with a text message -- someone working at the Pines of Sarasota sent her a photo of her mother, Rose Marie Green, that left her unsettled.

“She was in bed sleeping,” Belisle said. “And just didn’t look well.”

Belisle said she decided to go to the nursing home in person and called Hospice on the way. The organization said one of their nurses would be able to assist the 88-year-old but first, the facility had to let the nurse in.

When Belisle got there, she said an administrator told her no.  A confrontation ensued and Belisle said the administrator even called the police. But Belisle refused to leave and several hours later, a Hospice nurse was allowed in for the assessment. 

“They said basically my mother was actively dying,” Belisle said. “She passed away three days later.”

Belisle, who took her mother home for those final days, said it’s hard to think about what would’ve happened had Hospice not checked on her mother. 

“I really feel as if I hadn’t demanded and made a scene, I fear she would’ve died alone,” Belisle said. 

After Belisle contacted Spectrum Bay News 9 with her story, we double checked the emergency order and it does include an exception for Hospice workers.

We then checked in with the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care association about the pushback.  CEO Paul Ledford said unfortunately, its not out of the ordinary.

“We are hearing stories about it,” Ledford said. “There’s been a lot of interpretation of what rules and procedures are.”

Ledford said it’s understandable to an extent.  He pointed out risk management is the priority right now and said even AHCA seems hesitant to push for compliance.

We reached out to The Pines of Sarasota for comment.  A spokesperson provided the following statement:

“In the interest of our residents’ privacy, Pines of Sarasota is unable to comment on specific questions in relation to our residents. Pines of Sarasota has and continues to have a good relationship with Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota and we work together for our residents who need end-of-life care. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to follow the mandates from our Governor and the Surgeon General under the emergency rule. The safety of our employees and our residents is our top priority.”

Belisle has since filed a formal complaint with AHCA. We reached out to the agency to find out what’s being done if facilities refuse to let Hospice workers in. A spokesperson directed us to the emergency rule exception, but did not answer that question directly.