A Polk County organization that runs group homes for adults with learning and other major disabilities is fighting a state agency's attempt to pull its licenses.
The Society of St. Agnes runs three homes with a total of 18 female residents, but the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities has cited St. Agnes for issues involving record keeping and training of staff.
"I can't even explain how upset I am," said Rosemary Merz.
Merz's sister Karen lives at one of the homes. Merz said Karen has received outstanding care.
"We could never find care like this anywhere else," she said.
Family members of residents of the homes said they believe state regulators should work with St. Agnes on the the paperwork and training issues so the homes can remain open. They believe the quality of care is what really matters.
"You couldn't ask for a better situation for your own family member," said Buddy Livesay. His sister Joyce is a home resident.
Nuns from Africa live at and run the homes. Sister Atukuzwe Nyirenda said she has hired a new administrator who has fixed the training and paperwork issues.
"They can come up and see what the care we do, and take care more of the people rather than just thinking of the paperwork," she said.
APD has granted a rolling 30-day license extension to the Society of St. Agnes while at appeals its license revocation, but it has removed its ability to be reimbursed by Medicaid for its services. That will make it nearly impossible for the homes to remain open as it appeals its license issue.