Complaint·September 10, 2025

INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FOLLOWING: Allegation: Staff did not ensure the residents’ air conditioner was working properly. The complaint alleges that the staff at the facility did not ensure that Resident #1 (R1's) air conditioner was functioning correctly. It has been reported that the air conditioner in the middle hallway on the second floor is either broken or malfunctioning, while the rest of the floor below is operating correctly and remains cool. No additional information about this situation was provided. On September 10, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, the Department interviewed staff members identified as Staff #1 and Staff #2. Two (2) of the two (2) staff members were unable to validate this claim. (S1) stated that the air conditioning (AC) unit in room #45 is functioning correctly for Resident #1 (R1). In contrast, (S2), who has been closely monitoring service records for (R1), has not reported any issues with the air conditioning system. (S1) mentioned that (R1) informed about the AC system's malfunction on August 27, 2025. (S1) inspected the thermostat unit that controls rooms #33, #41, #42, #45, and #46. The thermostat, located in the second-floor hallway, is securely enclosed in a clear plastic lockbox. However, it had been tampered with and turned off. (S1) explained that residents often attempt to adjust the thermostat in the middle of the night without access to the key, leading them to tamper with the lockbox. To resolve the issue, (S1) had to reset the circuit breaker panel located on the rooftop where the Central Air Conditioner Condenser unit for rooms #33, #41, #42, #45, and #46 is situated. According to (S1), the AC was operational for several days but failed on September 1, 2025, due to a malfunction in the compressor. (S1) noted that compressors can fail due to electrical issues, blocked coils, overheating, contamination from dirt or moisture, and imbalanced refrigerant levels. ( S1) reported compressor part was immediately ordered and on September 4, 2025, the new part was installed by AC specialist and AC was in working condition. (S1) indicated that (R1) received an oscillating tower fan to cool the entire room while awaiting part replacement. On September 10, 2025, the Department conducted an inspection of the thermostats on the second floor, focusing on the thermostat unit for room #45, which is designated as (R1’s) private room. All thermostats were found to be functioning correctly. Furthermore, rooms #33, #41, #42, #45, and #46 were also inspected, and it was observed that the air conditioning units in these rooms were operational. (Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C) The inspection covered the common areas on the first floor, which included the lobby, activity rooms, and dining area. All of these areas are equipped with functioning air conditioning units. Additionally, the Department inspected the rooftop circuit breaker panel connected to the Central Air Conditioner Condenser unit that serves rooms #33, #41, #42, #45, and #46, confirming that it was in working condition. An oscillating tower fan located in room (R1) was also found to be functioning correctly. The temperature in (R1’s) room ranged from 68°F to 74°F, which is compliant with Title 22 regulations. A review of the Air Conditioning Invoice #0383770 (dated 09/04/25) confirmed that the ordered part was replaced promptly, and the labor involved was verified. Additionally, an examination of (R1’s) Physician’s Report LIC 602A (dated 11/15/22) and the Appraisal/Needs Service Plan LIC 625 (dated 06/28/22) indicated that (R1) did not have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions that could present physical or mental conditions with improper room temperature (ref: National Institute of Health NIH). Resident #1 (R1) was unavailable for an interview during the investigation. Based on the information gathered, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. Based on the information collected from the facility inspection, observations, interviews, and records analysis, the Department found no evidence to support the above allegation. The allegation may have happened or is valid, but there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred. Therefore, the allegation is Unsubstantiated . An exit interview was conducted with Terri Han, and copies of the reports were provided.