State: Assemblywoman Michele Fiore blocked inspectors at her business

By Michelle Rindels, Associated Press

Published Friday, July 24, 2015 | 4:34 p.m.

Updated Friday, July 24, 2015 | 6:06 p.m.

CARSON CITY — State officials issued a warning Friday to Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, saying inspectors were turned away from her home health care business twice this summer and she could lose her license if it happens again.

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services delivered a letter to the Republican lawmaker saying inspectors tried to visit June 2, but they were turned away by Fiore's mother, who's also her office manager, and were rejected again by Fiore and her mother July 6.

"The (Bureau of Healthcare Quality and Compliance) needs to inspect every facility to see that Nevadans are receiving the quality care that they deserve," the letter read. "I sincerely hope you cooperate with (the bureau) when they next visit your facility."

Fiore, who owns the Las Vegas-based business called Always There 4 You, said she couldn't assist inspectors the first time because she was still in Carson City. Her mother was effectively baby-sitting the office, Fiore said, while the assemblywoman wrapped up her legislative duties and while the business was undergoing a staff overhaul.

Fiore said she was busy taking her mother to the doctor the second time inspectors showed up and couldn't assist them.

The lawmaker said she had a productive meeting with health department officials on Friday and said she's prepared to welcome inspectors in the future with coffee and doughnuts.

State officials say they conduct inspections every 18 months, and they do not announce their visits or inspection timeframe ahead of time. They said Fiore's staff had turned away inspectors once before, in 2013.