Complaint·March 29, 2024

Investigation Revealed the Following: Allegation: Staff did not inform resident's authorized representative of a change in resident's condition. The details of the complaint alleged that the facility staff did not inform the resident’s authorized representative when they went to the hospital. During the records review, LPA Iniguez examined the facility face sheet of resident (R#1). It was noted that (R#1) did not list a contact person, nearest kin, or legal guardian, but rather listed themselves as their legal representative. Additionally, LPA observed the Identification and Emergency Information sheet was reviewed, and it was found that (R#1) did not list a legal guardian or conservator, but only their insurance company as the entity responsible for paying for their care while living at the facility. Moreover, LPA reviewed (R#1)'s Physicians Report for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE), or LIC 602A, where (R#1) again listed themselves as their legal representative. Lastly, a copy of an Unusual Incident Report-LIC 624 dated 12/26/23 was reviewed, which indicated that when (R#1) went to the hospital that day, the facility informed (R#1)'s physician and CCLD. During an interview with the Administrator (A#1), she stated that the facility's sending residents to the hospital is based on a case-by-case basis; the residents will choose to go. If the resident decides to go to the hospital, the facility will inform the resident's physician and the responsible party if they have one. Once the resident returns from the hospital, we will assess the resident in case they need more care. Also, we submit an Unusual Incident Report to CCLD when a resident goes to the hospital. Also, (A#1) stated that (R#1) was self-responsible; they needed a representative listed on their identification and emergency information form and were not conserved. In addition, (A#1) stated that the facility has always notified residents' legal representatives and their physicians; we try to build a relationship with the residents' representative and their physicians. Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C During an interview with staff (S#1-S#3), (3) out of (3) staff stated that the facility process when it comes to sending a resident to the hospital is: "We call 911, the resident is sent out we notify their physician and their responsible party. If the resident does not have a responsible party, we only notify their doctor and CCLD about the event in an Unusual Incident Report." Also, (3) out of (3) staff stated that when (R#1) went to the hospital on December 2023, they just informed their physician and CCLD since (R#1) was their legal representative. Additionally, (3) out of (3) staff stated that the facility has always communicated with the residents' legal representatives and physicians in case they go to the hospital. During interviews with residents (R#2-R#6), (5) out of (6) residents stated that they feel the facility offers a safe environment for them and the other residents in care. Also, (5) out of (6) residents think the facility will contact their families, legal representatives, and doctors in case of an emergency. In addition, (3) out of (6) state that they have gone to the hospital before, and the facility informed their legal representatives and doctors. During this investigation, LPA found did not find sufficient evidence to support the above-mentioned allegation(s). Based on the evidence gathered, interviews conducted, and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above-mentioned allegation(s) are found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of the Complaint Report was given to Maria Bravo /Administrator.