complaint·August 21, 2024

Allegation(s): Staff are exposing residents to a contagious illness. The investigation revealed the following: Regarding the allegation "Staff are exposing residents to a contagious illness,” it is being alleged that the Licensee allowed two staff members who tested positive for COVID-19 continue to work while wearing cloth masks. Record review reveals that the facility was not following the most recent (04/22/2024) Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) COVID-19 and Common Respiratory Viruses Guidance for Community Congregate Settings. It states, for non-healthcare staff “who test positive for… COVID-19 must go home immediately if onsite and must be excluded from the workplace for five days after symptoms began or after testing positive if no symptoms. Isolation may end and staff may return to work after Day 5 if all the following criteria are met…”. Record review revealed that two staff members worked within five days of testing positive. Six (6) out of eight (8) staff interviews, including the Executive Director, indicated that staff was allowed to return to work within five days of testing positive for COVID-19. Regarding the allegation “Staff are exposing residents to a contagious illness,” based on record review and interviews, the preponderance of evidence has been met therefore the allegation is Substantiated. Deficiencies were issued. An exit interview was conducted and plans of correction developed. A copy of this report, LAC DPH Guidance provided, and appeals rights was reviewed and left with the Executive Director Desiree Kitagawa.