Introduction to HB 81
A South Florida lawmaker is taking action following an NBC6 investigation about the death of a young mother at a post-surgery recovery home. State Rep. Felicia Robinson (D–District 104) filed a bill that aims to increase regulations for these properties in response to the death of 28-year-old Ahmonique Miller, whose story NBC6 Investigates first reported earlier this year.
The Incident that Sparked Change
Miller had traveled from Las Vegas to Miami with her 19-year-old sister, Kiera Barnes, for cosmetic procedures. The sisters paid to stay at what police later described as an illegal post-surgical recovery house. Within hours of arriving at the home following her surgery, Miller was dead, according to a police report. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner determined she died from a combination of prescription painkillers and bromazolam — a designer street drug. Barnes told police the drugs were given to her sister at the home.
Reaction to the Tragedy
“It really just tore my heart because she had just had a baby that was months old,” Robinson said. “She died, and it was unacceptable.” Miller’s mother, Wakeelah Miller, has urged state leaders to act. “A little girl is now without her mother today because of homes like this,” she previously told NBC6. “It’s really unfortunate that they haven’t put those regulations in place.”
The Proposed Bill
“It means that somebody’s listening,” said Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Deputy Gabriel Rodriguez, referring to the proposed bill. The agency’s Medical Crimes Unit has investigated illegal recovery homes for years. Rodriguez says current law leaves only one applicable charge: operating an unlicensed assisted living facility – a statute that doesn’t match what these houses actually are. “What I like about this, it makes a difference between an ALF and a recovery house – a post-surgical recovery house,” Rodriguez explained.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Robinson’s proposal would do several things if passed, including:
- Create a legal definition for post-surgical recovery homes
- Require licenses for operators
- Mandate medical staff — an LPN or RN — on site or on call
- Establish standards of care and oversight
Enforcement and Penalties
Under the bill, running an unlicensed recovery home would be a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or fines. Rodriguez worries that financial penalties alone may not deter operators. “It’s great that this is happening,” he said, “The problem is that it’s the cost of doing business,” noting it’s a profitable industry. “Right now, they’re (post-surgery recovery homes) charging between $250 to $300 per night,” he added.
Support for the Bill
Robinson said she is open to tougher penalties, but for now, she hopes to address a problem she feels has slipped through the cracks for too long. “I’m happy that they allowed you all to share their stories,” she said. “We can correct it so that no other family would have to go through it.” In an email to NBC6, Miller’s mother praised the proposed bill, writing: “Thousands of women flock to Miami every year for cosmetic surgery and are in need of a safe place to recover after their procedures. Oversight for these recovery homes is long overdue. Too many of these facilities are illegally run and unlicensed, and the crimes being committed—including abandonment and neglect—are devastating.
Conclusion
The proposed bill, HB 81, aims to increase regulations for post-surgical recovery homes in Florida, following the death of a young mother. The bill would create a legal definition for these homes, require licenses for operators, mandate medical staff on site or on call, and establish standards of care and oversight. With the support of Miller’s mother and law enforcement, the bill hopes to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
FAQs
- What is HB 81?
HB 81 is a proposed bill that aims to increase regulations for post-surgical recovery homes in Florida. - What sparked the creation of HB 81?
The bill was created in response to the death of 28-year-old Ahmonique Miller, who died at an illegal post-surgical recovery home. - What are the key provisions of HB 81?
The bill would create a legal definition for post-surgical recovery homes, require licenses for operators, mandate medical staff on site or on call, and establish standards of care and oversight. - What are the penalties for running an unlicensed recovery home under HB 81?
Running an unlicensed recovery home would be a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or fines. - Is there support for HB 81?
Yes, Miller’s mother and law enforcement have expressed support for the bill, hoping it will prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
