Complaint·December 5, 2023

S1 confirmed that they did not dispense the medications. The assigned Med Tech dispensed the medication into assigned cups that displayed the room number on the cup and onto a clipboard that had the same room number that matched the cup. There were no more than approximately 5 cups on the clipboard which S1 passed out along with the assigned Med Tech. Interview with staff #2 (S2) confirmed S1’s interview. LPA Lopez reviewed staff job descriptions, medication administration records (MAR’s), training logs, and Provider Information Notice (PIN). Records revealed that S1 did not have medication training, but the Med Tech who S1 assisted had records that showed they had medication training. S1’s job description say’s that S1 should have the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action and to remain calm during emergency situations. A review of medication logs revealed that a Med Tech provided residents with their medications on 10/01/2023. There was no indication that S1 dispensed residents’ medications. S1’s training log showed active action towards their training for the months of June, July and September. In review of Med Tech's training log, it revealed that they were properly trained to dispense medications. In review of PIN 23-16-ASC, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Reference Guide to Administrator, Staff and Volunteer Training Requirements, the requirements that all staff require were fulfilled by S1 and S2 according to their training logs. Based on the Department’s investigation of the above-mentioned allegation and the evidence obtained during staff and outside source interviews, and records reviewed, there is insufficient evidence to meet the preponderance of evidence standard. Therefore, the above allegation is deemed to be unsubstantiated. The report was discussed, and an exit interview was conducted with Executive Director Michael Sokolowski. A copy of this report along with Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 3/22) were provided to Executive Director Sokolowski at the conclusion of the visit. The signature below confirms the receipt of these documents. Although residents confirmed their medications were provided late, they did not confirm that the medications were incorrect. Staff interviews confirmed that medications were formerly provided to residents late due to agency staff cancelling their shifts on their assigned shift date. Staff said that they were redirected to fill-in the vacant areas to ensure residents had their morning medications dispensed. They confirmed that due to a late start in passing medications, some of the medications were dispensed late. Interview with the Executive Director confirmed that they worked with an agency to fill the vacant positions as needed. Based on the Department’s investigation of the above-mentioned allegation and the evidence obtained during resident and staff interviews, there is sufficient evidence to meet the preponderance of evidence standard. Therefore, the above allegation is deemed to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8, is being cited on the attached LIC9099D. The report was discussed, plan of correction was jointly developed, and an exit interview was conducted with Executive Director Michael Sokolowski. A copy of this report along with Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 3/22) were provided to Executive Director Sokolowski at the conclusion of the visit. The signature below confirms the receipt of these documents.