complaint·August 17, 2025

INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FOLLOWING: Allegation: Facility staff failed to prevent resident from getting an infection. The complaint details that the facility staff failed to prevent Resident #1 (R1) from contracting an infection. It is reported that (R1) developed the infection due to inadequate sanitation within the facility and the presence of dirty or unsanitized tableware. Reports have indicated that management staff were informed, but no action has been taken. No further details have been provided on this matter. On August 07, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 04:30 PM the Department interviewed residents identified as Resident #1 through Resident #10 (R1-R10). Eight (8) out of the ten (10) resident members could not support this claim. (R3-R10) reported that they have never experienced an infection while receiving care at this facility. While (R1-R2) both verified being diagnosed with a viral infection. (R3-R10) have expressed general satisfaction with the tableware's condition. They appreciate its cleanliness and indicate that if any issues arise, they would be willing to return it to the staff for replacement. (R2) acknowledged having contracted the viral infection outside of the facility through contact with a close associate who does not reside at Glen Park at Long Beach. (R2) understands and has not interacted closely with the facility's residents. During a routine medical visit, (R1) was diagnosed with a viral infection. (R1) believes this infection was contracted at the facility, likely due to the use of unclean or poorly sanitized tableware. Furthermore, (R1) stated that management has not been informed about this issue. It is assumed that the condition has been recognized as having appropriate antibiotic treatment available for (R1). (R1) indicates that, considering (R1's) health condition, the likelihood of contracting the viral infection through an intimate encounter is considerably improbable. On August 07, 2025, and August 08, 2025, between 09:00 AM and 4:15 PM, the Department interviewed staff members identified as Staff #1 through Staff #4 (S1-S4). Four (4) out of the four (4) staff members are not able to corroborate this claim. (S1-S3) reported that they were not informed about Resident #1's (R1) existing infection. According to (S1-S2), the medical discharge paperwork for (R1) was provided, and upon review, it did not mention any infection diagnosis. The primary physician for (R1) did not communicate any concerns or symptoms related to an infection to the facility staff. (Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C) (S1, S2 and S4) they verified that (R1 and R2) have no association with one another and are acquaintances only. (R1 and R2) do not share a room or share a table during meals. In addition, (R1) eats alone during meals as preference and does not use facility tableware supplies. (R1) preference utilizing plastic flatware. Additionally, (S4) was only informed that a specific new medication had been prescribed for (R1) to treat a viral infection, which was to be administered over a 14-day treatment period. (S3) communicated that, to (S3's) knowledge, there have been no reported claims from residents concerning dirty or unsanitized tableware, nor have there been any instances of infections attributed to inadequate cleanliness of tableware supplies. A review of Resident #1's (R1's) Medical Clinic Record (dated 08/04/25) revealed no indication of a viral infection or any mention of medicine to treat the infection.  Physician Report LIC 602A (dated 02/24/25) and Resident Appraisal (dated 11/01/23) revealed that (R1) can self-care, can attain personal grooming and hygiene items, can leave the facility unattended, and has a history of skin condition and atopy, which makes (R1) more susceptible to infections. Further review of the Department of Health Care Services Individual Service Plan (dated 05/23/25) revealed (R1) is at risk for skin breakdown and infection. Prescription Medication Orders (dated 08/07/25) revealed that (R1) is prescribed prescription and PNR medications of a total of (30).  Eight (8) out of the thirty (30) have side effects that weaken the immune system and are more susceptible to infection (ref: National Institute of Health), and a weakened immune system can be a trigger for viral infections. According to (ref: National Institute of Health) A viral infection can impact how long bacteria survive on utensils, but it's unlikely. Bacteria need specific conditions, like warmth and moisture, to live. Therefore, sharing utensils, cups, and straws poses a low risk for spreading an infection since the environment is not suitable for bacteria to survive long enough to infect someone else. It is unlikely due to its low survivability outside of the body. The Department inspected the facility on August 07, 2025, and observed the facility in clean and sanitary condition including the dining and kitchen area. The Department observed Staff #3 (S3) washing, rinsing and soaking tableware in hot water with soap and bleach. Then the tableware items are stored in high temperature hood commercial dishwasher for a continuous cleaning and sanitation. (Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C) 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 . No deficiencies were cited. An exit interview was conducted with Roniesha Bryant, and copies of the reports were provided.