A disability-rights organization has filed a federal lawsuit against the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, contending the group was improperly prevented from having access to a state veterans nursing home.
Disability Rights Florida, a federally funded organization that advocates for people with disabilities, filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee. The lawsuit said the group received an anonymous tip in June about potential problems at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home in Port Charlotte. An investigator made an unannounced visit to the facility in August but was denied access, according to the lawsuit.
Disability Rights Florida ultimately concluded that the allegations in the anonymous tip were unfounded. But it sought to schedule a visit to the home to meet with residents and provide information about their rights.
The lawsuit said the organization was denied access. Disability Rights Florida alleges the department has violated federal laws related to advocacy for people with disabilities.
