Watch CBS News

Feds Probing Ombudsman Resignation

TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) - Florida Governor Rick Scott has already thrown down multiple gauntlets with the federal government, but the Feds are starting to push back. The federal government said it will probe the removal of Florida's chief advocate for nursing home residents.

Ombudsman Brian Lee resigned his post last month after he was told he would be fired if he didn't voluntarily leave. Lee said the move came after growing problems with Governor Rick Scott.

The Ombudsman role is overseen by the federal Administration on Aging, according to the Older Americans Act. The Administration on Aging said it will reveal the matter to see if the law was followed for Lee's dismissal.

Critics have blamed Governor Rick Scott, a former disgraced health care executive, for his allegiance to the health care industry for problems with the ombudsman job.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.