Complaint·January 11, 2022

“employees and residents are in danger of serious illness and death every day. People who have covid are being allowed outside of their apartments and into the Los Angeles area.” The investigation revealed the following: 7 out of the 7 denied the allegation to be true. S1 states, “we are still allowed to do activities. We do not allow residents to leave their apartments that are positive, but if they insist, which it hasn’t happened, we cannot hold them. It’s not something we advertise.” S4 and S5 both states not everyone is allowed to work with Covid positive residents. “Not everybody can go to that room. It has to be one person assisting that person. They already have the PPE station setup.” “If a resident has Covid they are isolated. We have a cart outside the door with PPE. We talk daily to make sure we are good on supplies. We have a biohazard bin inside the room where we discard the used PPE before exiting the room. As far as I know, we do well.” During interviews with the resident the following was determined. 5 of the 5 denied the allegation to be true. R1 states, “no I don’t feel like that’s true. They have been taking very good care of us and to the best of their ability. They don’t tell us specific on who is positive due to HIPAA. Regarding the allegation: Staff are not trained to care for residents with COVID-19. It’s being alleged, employees aren't shown or told what to do with someone who has Covid and how to be safe. The investigation revealed the following: 7 out of the 7 denied the allegation to be true. S3 states, “the facility has provided us with training. It’s not much different from what we already do. It’s just more enhanced on the hygiene. S5 states, “personally, no one is trained to deal with Covid-19. Let’s start there! Taking care of a Covid patient is the same care we already provide; the only difference is that we wear protective gear. There is no difference.” S6 states, “all staff are trained to take care of anybody that has a blood borne pathogen such as, HIV, Flu, Norovirus, which Covid 19 falls in line with those. They also have computer-based training. During interviews with the residents the following was determined: 4 of the 5 interviewed could not confirm the allegation to be true. R1-4 all state not being sure if the allegation is true or not. R3 states, I don’t know for sure, but I had someone that lived across from me that was positive, and I would see the nurses go in and they are very careful about who goes in. Everyone was always dressed in gear. R5 states the allegation is false. “I’ve been here for over 4 years. I had people come twice a day to take my temperature, we are tested weekly.” Regarding the allegation: Administrator is not demonstrating good character. It’s being alleged, the Administrator needs to be investigated for things including inappropriate workplace comments and behavior. Cont 9099C The investigation revealed the following: 7 out of the 7 denied the allegation to be true. S1 states, “we try to please everyone, but we have to make safety a priority first. To create an enriched environment during an outbreak can be challenging. S3 states, “I think my boss is a very well-spoken person. I think he is very assertive in what needs to get done and I don’t have any complaints about him. He’s very easy to speak to actually.” S5 states, “I don’t see him doing anything out of context. He speaks to everyone. He is polite. He is doing the best he can, given the situation and in general. S6 states, I like working with S1. S7 states “S1 is very direct. Sometimes people don’t like what is being said to them, but I feel like he tries his best and has gotten us through a lot.” During interviews with the residents the following was determined: 5 out of 5 denied the allegation to be true. R1 states, “he is excellent, I have been here 11 years. He has always been nice to me. Empathetic, kind and professional. This actually came in as a complaint? R3 states, “Oh that is 100% false. I’ve been here 12 years and he’s doing a superior job. R5 states, “That’s absolutely false. He’s doing a great job. He is very supportive and responsive with any issues brought to him. LPA Agard was able to review the following records: LPA reviewed a donning and doffing in-service training, FIT testing results, a report from the department of public health with no recommendations of concern. During tour, LPA observed several stations with personal protective equipment (PPE). In a review of the facility’s mitigation plan, the facility plans to control infection by providing staff with training, physical distancing, routine cleaning of common areas, isolation rooms with dedicated staff that will work solely with infected residents. The staff will be provided with PPE. Based on LPA’s observation, interviews conducted, record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegations is unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of the report was given.