complaint·June 11, 2021

The investigation revealed the following: Allegation: The facility does not have a qualified and currently certified administrator. It is alleged the facility does not have a qualified and currently certified administrator. LPA conducted interviews with the Licensee, Staff #2-#5, Resident #1, Witness #1, and Witness #2. Staff #1 and Staff #6 were not present and not available for interview during the visit. Based on record review, Staff #1’s facility administrator certificate expired on 5/27/2021. LPA reviewed the licensee’s notice to Staff #1 on “Change of Relationship” indicating Staff #1 was on leave of absence effective 5/20/2021 and due to return on 6/11/2021. However, based on the Interview with the Licensee and Staff #2, Staff #1 has not returned yet. Staff #3 stated in an interview that Staff #1 is on medical leave, and she does not know if there is a backup administrator during Staff #1’s absence. She said Staff #2 oversees the day-to-day activities in the facility. The licensee and Staff #2 mentioned that Staff #4 and #5 are currently the backup administrators, and they are both available by phone and in person if needed. But there has not been a need for them on the premises, according to the licensee. Per record review, Staff #4’s administrator certificate expires on 6/19/2021. Staff #4 revealed in a phone interview that Staff #6 is the current facility administrator. She stated she is listed as a designed substitute for the administrator, but she has not worked in this capacity for this facility for a long time. She mentioned that she has no knowledge that the administrator is on leave and no one from the facility has notified her to cover as a back-up for the administrator during her absence. Per telephone interview with Staff #5, she is a certified administrator but never worked for this facility with this role. She stated she worked for the facility as a marketing consultant about two years ago. Resident #1 stated Staff #2 is the current administrator of the facility. Witness #1 mentioned in an interview that there is a certified administrator of the facility, but she does not know the name of the individual. Witness #2 stated Staff #1 is the facility administrator, but she is currently on leave. She stated there are two backup administrators, however, she does not know their names. Based on the information gathered, there was no qualified and currently certified administrator or a qualified designated substitute on the premises during the administrator's absence. There was no qualified and currently certified administrator or a qualified designated substitute on the premises from May 20, 2021 to June 11, 2021. Based on LPAs observations, interviews, and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation is found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, and Chapter 1 are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Exit interview conducted and a copy of the appeal rights issued and discussed with Executive Director Jonathan Mesko.