complaint·September 18, 2023

Continued.... Allegation states that actions are because of Covid but no emergency health orders are in place. LPA conducted interviews, reviewed documents and found that at the current time, the facility is mitigating the spread of the Covid virus, as outlined in their Infection Control Plan. One way to cut down on the spread of the virus is to limit contact. A contact is considered 15 minutes exposure with a positive individual over the course of 24 hours. If residents are eating meals together, without masks, of course, there is a higher likelihood of someone unknowingly spreading the virus to others, as residents tend to socialize and linger over their meals together. The Department of Social Services advises Licensees to go by the strictest guidelines: the State Dept of Health, the CDC or the County Health Department. It was recommended by the Yolo County Health Department to close the communal dining areas to help mitigate the spread. This is within operating procedures, if warranted. As stated in CCR: 87555: General Food Service Requirements (a) The total daily diet shall be of the quality and in the quantity necessary to meet the needs of the residents and shall meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council. All food shall be selected, stored, prepared and served in a safe and healthful manner. (b) The following food service requirements shall apply: (4) Meals on the premises shall be served in a designated dining area suitable for the purpose and residents encouraged to have meals with other residents. Tray service shall be provided in case of temporary need. 87470 Infection Control Requirements (a) A licensee shall ensure that infection control practices are maintained as follows: (c) An Infection Control Plan shall be developed by the licensee and shall be included in the Plan of Operation required by Section 87208. (1) The Infection Control Plan shall include all of the following: (E) The licensee shall ensure that staff encourage residents to follow infection control practices as necessary. Tray service is currently being provided to each resident. Orders are taken daily and a written record of food being delivered to each resident has been kept. Therefore LPA confirmed that food service is being provided to the residents as well as following the guidance of the Health Department. Although the allegation may be valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did, or did not occur. Therefore, the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.