complaint·September 14, 2022

The investigation revealed the following: For allegation – The facility elevator is not in good operating condition. It is alleged that a person reached in hoping to stop the elevator door from closing, but it was crushing the hand. The elevator did not sensor the object and the individual had to pull the out hand instead. LPA interviewed the Administrator who stated that the elevator has a sensor to detect any object approaching the door. However, if someone was to put the hand last minute, it will not detect it and the elevator will continue to close. None of the additional staff interviewed had heard of this issue and had not tried to approach the door, at the last seconds, as it is closing. They stated that the elevators have sensors on them which will prevent the door from closing on the residents as they are entering or trying to enter. LPA interviewed 11 residents today and 10 out of 11 residents stated they do not have any issues with the elevators closing on them. Some stated that when the elevator door starts to close, they do not attempt to open the door and will wait for the next round. One resident reported that the elevator did not detect the cane as resident tried to use it to keep the door from closing. During the visit today, LPA tested the 2 elevators in the building with the Assistant Administrator. Based on observation, both elevators can only detect LPA’s hand or foot when the doors were closing mid-way. However, as LPA tried to reach in the last 2 seconds as the doors were shutting, the sensor did not pick up LPA’s hand or foot. Therefore, LPA needed to retract them as the door was continuing to close. LPA interviewed a representative from the International Elevator company that services the facility and it was reported that the elevator should not close when something is detected even at the last seconds. Based on LPA observation and interview, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore, the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22, Division 6 and Chapter 8 are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. An exit interview was conducted. The Plan of Corrections were reviewed and developed with Administrator Edwards. A copy of this report and appeal rights were provided.