Moratorium placed on Bartow mental health facility after patient’s death
State regulators have issued a mandatory moratorium on new patient admissions at the Peace River Center in Bartow. This regulatory action follows a three-day investigation into the facility after a female patient died while in their care last month.
Findings from the Agency for Health Care Administration investigation detail a series of critical lapses in patient care. On June 27, the patient was admitted for an involuntary examination regarding suicidal ideation. She reported a history of seizures and requested medication for epilepsy, which staff failed to provide. Records indicate the patient later complained of chest pain and headaches, yet staff administered nitroglycerin, which lowers blood pressure, without checking vitals or transferring her to a higher level of care as required.
Surveillance video documented the final hours before the patient’s death on June 29. The footage showed the patient exhibiting clear signs of distress and vomiting, yet staff members in the immediate area did not intervene or provide medical assessment. When the patient eventually became unresponsive, staff delayed medical care for nearly 20 minutes. The investigation further uncovered that the facility's registered nurse on duty was asleep during the emergency, and staff were unable to locate an automated external defibrillator to assist the patient.
Investigators noted that Peace River Center staff lacked training for medical emergencies and failed to follow their own internal protocols for crisis stabilization. The Agency for Health Care Administration determined that the facility’s current operations pose a direct threat to the safety and welfare of clients. As a result, no new patients or re-admissions are permitted at the Bartow site until the agency lifts the moratorium.
In a provided statement, Peace River Center expressed condolences to the family and stated they are working with governing agencies to implement corrective actions. All other areas of the organization remain operational at this time.