complaint·August 29, 2022

Regarding the allegation, ‘Facility does not follow COVID-19 health and safety protocol’, it is the concern of the Reporting Party (RP) that the facility has not been safeguarding residents by not practicing proper infection control. At 10:30 a.m., the LPA arrived at the facility and was allowed inside the facility by caregivers without conducting infection control practices. At 10:45 a.m., the administrator and the LPA conducted the tour of the facility, and noticed that at the entrance of the common area , there was a table with an oral thermometer, a sign in book and, and an alcohol bottle. The LPA brought to the attention of the administrator the thermometer, and explained that is was not the correct thermometer for conducting infection control practices. The administrator asked the staff for 'the other thermometer' and the staff brought out of the medication closet, a digital thermometer. The administrator and staff were also instructed to place masks on the table with the other items, in case a visitor came to the facility without a mask/face covering. Additionally, the LPA instructed staff, and administrator to follow current infection control guidelines, which state that all visitors must be screened. Additionally, the LPA asked the staff if an an outside agency had visited the facility recently, and had brought to their attention conducting an initial screening for COVID-19 symptoms of all individuals entering facility? The staff stated that 'yes' an outside agency had visited a few weeks ago. Based on the LPA’s observation, and interview with the administrator, there is sufficient evidence to support the allegation that the 'Facility does not follow COVID-19 health and safety protocol’. Therefore, this allegation is deemed Substantiated at this time. The following deficiencies were observed (See LIC 9099-D.) and cited from the California Code of Regulations, Title 22 and California Health and Safety Code. Failure to correct the deficiencies may result in civil penalties. Exit interview was conducted with facility representative, a copy of the report, and Appeal Rights were issued.