The state Agency for Health Care Administration and a Miami abortion clinic have reached a settlement over allegations that the clinic did not properly comply with a law requiring 24-hour waiting periods before abortions can be performed.
Doctor’s Office for Women, Inc., which does business as Today’s Women Medical Center, will pay a $500 fine while continuing to deny the allegations, according to a copy of the settlement posted Tuesday on the state Division of Administrative Hearings website.
The Agency for Health Care Administration initially sought a $3,000 fine. The agency alleged in a July complaint that it reviewed clinic records and found three incidents in April and May in which an abortion surgical procedure or termination pills were provided less than 24 hours after patients received the required information.
The agency, which sought a $1,000 fine for each incident, also said the clinic did not have proper documentation.
The clinic challenged the agency at the Division of Administrative Hearings. While the clinic denies wrongdoing, the settlement indicates the agency could use the allegations in future proceedings about issues such as licensing.
“The agency is not precluded from using the subject events for any purpose within the jurisdiction of the agency,” the settlement said.
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