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Resident's Condition Costs Palmetto Home Its License

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By STEVE ANDREWS | News Channel 8

Published: January 22, 2008

The owner of a Palmetto assisted-living facility has given up her license after an 85-year-old man was found living there with an untreated cancerous tumor that covered nearly half his face.

The state closed Palmetto Guest House in May after a series of stories by News Channel 8.

Rather than face a two-day hearing, Jackie Dorelien agreed to settle with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

She agreed to have her license to run an assisted living facility revoked. Neither she nor her company may apply for a license or have direct or indirect interest in an assisted-living facility for five years. Dorelien will face a $61,000 fine if she violates the terms.

In May, News Channel 8 revealed that public guardian Ashley Butler learned of Ronald Larsen and his condition while visiting another patient at Palmetto Guest House.

"He opened the door, and it would just knock you to your knees because the smell was so horrible," Butler said.

Larsen has undergone radiation treatment, and the lesion looks better.

Orelien pleaded not guilty to a neglect charge, and Manatee County State Attorney Earl Moreland declined to prosecute and also declined to explain his decision.

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