Complaint·August 29, 2024

(continued from LIC9099) On 6/14/2024 LPA conducted a visit to the facility. LPA obtained copies of: resident roster dated 6/11/2024, menu for the month of June and facility food service policy. LPA toured the facility and interviewed staff and residents in care. Staff and Residents made no disclosures regarding the allegation. Staff stated the facility always adheres to regulations regarding food storage and preparation. On 8/20/2024, LPA returned to the facility. LPA obtained copies of the facility’s 8/19/2024 invoice for U.S. Food and the receipts for the grocery store. In regards to the allegation of facility does not store food properly, LPA observed food to be improperly stored in the facility kitchen. LPA observed kim chi, broccoli and rice stored in uncovered in buckets without lids in the refrigerator. LPA observed metal containers with beef partially covered with plastic. LPA observed slices of cheesecake stored in the refrigerator uncovered. Per regulation, all readily perishable foods or beverages capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of micro-organisms which can cause food infections or food intoxications shall be stored in covered containers at appropriate temperatures. LPA observed refrigerator temperature to be 46.8 degrees Fahrenheit. LPA observed freezer temperature to be -8 degrees Fahrenheit. Per regulation, Freezers of adequate size shall be maintained at a temperature of 0 degrees F (-17.7 degrees C), and refrigerators of adequate size shall maintain a maximum temperature of 40 degrees F (4 degrees C). They shall be kept clean and food stored to enable adequate air circulation to maintain the above temperatures. LPA conducted interview with ED. ED stated the facility has contract with U.S. Food (USF). LPA conducted interviews with Staff and Residents. Staff and Residents stated they have not seen or heard of any other residents or staff falling or tripping in the dining room or kitchen. During the investigation, there was sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation of facility does not store food properly. Based on observations made and photos obtained, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation is SUBSTANTIATED. See LIC9099-D for cited deficiencies per Title 22 Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with ED. A copy of this LIC-9099 was provided to the facility. (continued from LIC9099) LPA measured aisle to be 43.5 inches wide. LPA observed a two-burner stove that extends into the aisle by 17.5 inches. LPA measured the distance from the front face of the two-burner oven to the shelf of food across from it. The aisle measured 26 inches. LPA conducted interviews with residents in care who stated that they do not enter the kitchen as it is an off-limits area to them. Residents also stated they have never seen or heard about tripping or falling in the dining room or kitchen. LPA also interviewed kitchen staff. Kitchen staff stated they have not tripped or heard of any staff report that they tripped in the kitchen. Kitchen staff stated that they have not heard of any staff or resident tripping in the dining room. Kitchen staff stated they feel like they have enough room to safely navigate the aisle. In regards to the allegation of facility is not maintained at a comfortable temperature for residents, LPA interviewed staff and residents in care. LPA observed three thermostats in the facility. The first floor thermostat is located between rooms A105 and A107 and was observed at 74 degrees Fahrenheit. The second floor thermostat is located between rooms A213 and A215 and was observed at 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The third floor thermostat is located between rooms A317 and A315 and was observed at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. During interviews conducted, six of the seven residents interviewed stated the temperature in the facility is comfortable. All staff interviewed stated the temperature in the facility is comfortable. All staff interviewed stated the temperature in the facility is comfortable. LPA obtained photos of the thermostats throughout the facility. LPA obtained copies of the following files: resident roster dated 6/11/2024, personnel contact list and facility floor plan. Based on record review and interviews conducted with ED, staff and residents, LPA determined that the facility does not have tripping hazards in the dining room and the facility is maintained at a comfortable temperature for residents. Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid; there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with ED. A copy of this LIC-9099 was provided to the facility.