Complaint·March 22, 2022

On 3/8/2022, LPAs Lourdes Montoya and Antonia Alvizar made an unannounced subsequent complaint visit. Three (3) staff and five (5) residents were interviewed. Copies of screening/Sign-in/out logbook were obtained. INVESTIGATION REVEALED: Allegation: COVID-19 visitation protocols are not being followed. It was alleged Covid-19 visitation protocols are not being followed by the facility staff. Reporting Party reported facility staff is not allowing family members to visit their loved ones in the facility unless they have a negative Covid-19 test regardless of vaccine status. Based on the department’s record review, Provider Information Notice (PIN) Summary PIN 22-04-ASC, effective January 7, 2022 until February 7, 2022, states Licensees shall allow indoor visitation, including communal dining and in-room visitation, at all times and for all residents regardless of the vaccination status of the resident, if (1) the visitor is fully vaccinated, have had all recommended booster doses based on the table below and provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within one day of visitation for antigen tests, and within two days of visitation for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests ; OR (2) permit only outdoor visitation for those that do not meet all the aforementioned requirements in this section. Staff must screen visitors and the visitor must be asymptomatic. Based on the department’s interview with the administrator (S1) and four staff (S2-S5), facility required visitors to present their vaccination card and a negative Covid-19 test (within 48 hours for PCR test or within 24 hours for rapid test) prior to entry during January and February 2022. The facility will provide a test kit and ask the visitor to take the test onsite for those who are willing to take the Covid-19 test. Visitors who are unvaccinated may be allowed for outdoor visitation if they can show documentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours (PCR) or 24 hours (rapid test). Interviews with five staff (S1-S5) and six Residents (R1-R6) revealed the facility screens visitor for Covid-19 symptoms prior to entry, temperature is checked, visitors are asked to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands in the designated bathroom sink near the main entrance door, visitors must sign in and out on the screening logbook; and wear a face covering. S2 revealed in an interview that on 2/7/2022, S2 assisted one visitor (W1) who attempted to enter the facility but refused to show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test result. S2 stated W1 did not want to take a Covid-19 test onsite even after being informed that a free Covid-test kit is available. S2 stated W1 refused to comply to the indoor visitation protocols. Witness #1 was upset and left the facility. Based on observations, interviews and record reviews, there is no sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation above. Report continued in LIC 9099-C Allegation: Residents are being denied visitations. It was alleged residents are being denied visitations. Reporting Party reported facility staff is not allowing outdoor visitation or visitation through the window onto the patio. Based on interviews with Staff (S1-S5) and Residents (R1-R6) no residents were denied outdoor visitations. S2 revealed in an interview that on 2/7/2022, S2 assisted one visitor (W1) who attempted to enter the facility but refused to show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test result. S2 stated W1 voluntarily left the facility without going through the Covid-19 screening process and W1 did not ask for outdoor visitation. A review of the facility’s Screening forms from January 23, 2022 thru February 16, 2022, indicates no visitor was excluded from a visit. Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews, there is no sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation above. Although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations, “ COVID-19 visitation protocols are not being followed and Residents are being denied visitation” did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are unsubstantiated. No deficiencies cited, exit Interview conducted, and report given to Administrator Craig Weech.