How To File a Complaint Against a Hospital or Emergency Room

Learn who to contact and what steps to take to make your voice heard in Florida

Emergency rooms (ERs) are bustling hubs of activity where medical professionals work tirelessly to provide critical care to patients in need. However, amid the chaos, mistakes can occur, leading to serious consequences for patients.

If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to errors or negligence in an emergency room or hospital in Tampa, you may be wondering what steps you can take to seek accountability and justice.

In this article, we’ll explore the process of filing a complaint against a hospital or emergency room in Florida, including the necessary steps to take and considerations for potentially pursuing a lawsuit.

Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of a medical error or seeking answers for substandard care, understanding your rights is crucial. If you have further questions or want to explore your legal options, reach out to the experienced Tampa medical malpractice attorneys at Palmer Lopez for a free consultation.

Common reasons why people file complaints against hospitals and emergency rooms

There are many reasons why people choose to file complaints against hospitals and emergency rooms in Florida each year. Below are some of the most common:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. These can lead to serious consequences for patients, especially if patients are sent home without being scheduled for follow-up care.
Medical errors. Medication mistakes, surgical errors, or other technical errors involving doctors or nurses frequently cause serious harm to patients.
Inadequate treatment. Patients may feel their care was rushed, incomplete, or did not address their needs effectively.
Lack of communication. Poor communication with doctors, nurses, or other staff can leave patients feeling frustrated and uninformed.
Rude or disrespectful behavior. Unprofessional or insensitive treatment by medical professionals can be upsetting for patients and their families.
Unexpected or excessive charges. Patients may feel they were charged unfairly or unclearly informed about costs.

Insurance denials. If a patient’s insurance denies coverage for necessary treatment, they may want to file a complaint with the hospital or the insurer.
Falls or injuries. Patients who experience falls or other injuries while in the hospital may believe it was due to negligence.
Dirty or unsanitary conditions. Complaints about poor hygiene or cleanliness in the hospital environment can be raised, particularly if a patient develops a healthcare-associated infection (HAI).
Privacy concerns. Patients have a right to privacy regarding their medical information, and breaches of this privacy can be grounds for complaint.
Long wait times. Excessive waiting times in the emergency room or other departments can be frustrating for patients and impact their care.
Accessibility issues. Patients with disabilities may face challenges accessing care or navigating the hospital facility, leading to complaints.

These situations can result in frustration and, in some cases, serious harm or catastrophic injuries to patients, warranting further investigation and action to hold responsible parties accountable and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Filing a complaint can serve as a means for patients and their families to seek answers and advocate for improvements in Florida healthcare delivery.

What agency regulates hospitals in Florida?

The agency that regulates hospitals in Florida is the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). This organization plays a pivotal role in overseeing various aspects of healthcare in the state, including administering and overseeing the Medicaid program, licensing and regulating healthcare facilities, and providing Florida residents with vital information about healthcare.

One of the goals of the AHCA is to ensure that hospitals adhere to established standards of care and safety protocols to maintain high-quality healthcare services for all residents of Florida.

Where do I file a complaint against a hospital in Florida?

To file a complaint against a hospital in Florida, you should contact the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). They handle complaints related to healthcare facilities, including hospitals, and can investigate issues such as quality of care, safety concerns, and violations of regulations.

You can file a complaint online through the AHCA website or by contacting their Consumer Assistance Unit by phone at (888) 419-3456 or (800) 955-8771 (TDD number).

Additionally, you may want to consider seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney, especially if you’re thinking about legal action against the hospital.

How do I file a complaint with AHCA in Florida?

To begin the process of filing a complaint against a Florida hospital or emergency room, you’ll want to verify that the institution you wish to file a complaint against is regulated by the AHCA. You can find that out by doing a quick search for the hospital at FloridaHealthFinder.gov.

Next, you can file a complaint by calling the AHCA directly or by completing the “Licensed Health Care Facility Complaint” form on their website. You can also use this form for complaints against unlicensed healthcare facilities in the state. Regardless of which form you use, be sure to provide as much information as possible so the AHCA understands the full extent of your complaint.

You can file your complaint without giving your name, but if you want to find out what happens after your complaint is reviewed, you’ll need to provide your contact information.

What happens after my complaint is filed?

After you file your complaint, it’s reviewed by the AHCA’s Complaint Administration Unit. If there’s immediate danger, an inspection is supposed to take place within 2 days, and with any inspection, you’ll get written notice of the outcome.

If the AHCA decides that they won’t investigate your case, they should notify you as to how they arrived at their decision. Even without an inspection, your concerns will be kept on file for future reference.

Ideally, this process gives Florida patients and their families an opportunity to seek answers and hold hospitals and emergency rooms responsible for substandard treatment while in their care.

If the care you or a loved one received resulted in serious injury or wrongful death due to negligence on the part of the healthcare facility, doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider, it’s highly recommended that you discuss your case with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can help you understand your legal options for seeking further justice as well as compensation.

Get help from a knowledgeable Tampa medical malpractice attorney

At Palmer Lopez, our skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys is ready to help you get the answers, justice, and compensation you rightfully deserve after a serious injury or death caused by negligence in Tampa.

Not sure if you have a case?

That’s why we’re here. Our attorneys provide free consultations where we listen to your story, evaluate the facts of your case, and provide advice on the best course of action. Whether you’re unsure if you have a case or need guidance on the next steps, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate support and experienced legal representation throughout the process.