complaint·March 30, 2022

Regarding the allegation: Facility did not provide written notice to the resident for rate increase The complainant was concerned that staff raised their rent without written notification. During the investigation, a record review revealed, that the facility provided a notice on 12/8/21 informing residents that the Department of Social Services had increased Social Security Income (SSI) and State Supplementary Payment (SSP) payment standards. In addition, the facility provided residents whom needed further explanation a copy of the Provider Information Notice (PIN) 21-23-CCLD, which describes the estimated SSI rate increase (Described as PIN 21-23-CCLD ESTIMATED SSI/SSP PAYMENT STANDARDS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022). Per regulation, licensees are required to provide residents with at least a sixty (60) day notice regarding any rate increase or rate structure change. However, facilities are not required to provide a sixty (60) day notice when it pertains to SSI rate changes. Thus, the Provider Information Notice (PIN) was issued on 11/19/2021, informing licensees that the rate change would be in effect 1/1/2022. That change would be in effect under sixty (60) days. The facility is required to notify residents as soon as the licensee is notified of SSI/SSP rate changes. Record review revealed that on 12/8/2021 residents received the notice of the rate increase. Based on the information obtained, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim, that the facility did not provide written notice to the resident for rate increase. This allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Regarding the allegation: Facility failed to have a working elevator It was alleged that the facility elevator had not been working for two months. LPA's conducted a physical plant tour on 12/28/21 at 10:22 a.m. and observed one elevator out of order in the facility. The plant tour further revealed that this was the only elevator in the facility and access to the 2 nd floor is only via the staircase. Information obtained from interviews revealed that the facility had previous knowledge of the elevators need for repairs. Per interviews, the administrator reveled that the elevator had challenges in the past and the facility began the process of acquiring an elevator company to modernize the elevator and signed an agreement on 10/20/2021. At the time the agreement was signed the elevator was still functioning however, on 11/19/2021 the facility discovered that the elevator was inoperable. Although the elevator modernization project was due to begin in January 2022 the facility received an email from the elevator company on 12/17/21 indicating that materials wouldn’t be available for 5 to 6 weeks. The administrator received a notification that the project would commence April 4, 2022. Based on the information obtained, whereas the elevator is currently not working the facility was aware of it and was actively working to remedy it. The administrator confirmed that the residents on the 2 nd floor are able to use the stairs and any residents needing assistance can be escorted by staff. This allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Continued on LIC 9099-C