Other·February 9, 2023

72601. Alterations to Existing Buildings or New Construction. (a) Alterations to existing buildings licensed as skilled nursing facilities or new construction shall be in conformance with Chapter I, Division 17. Part 6. Title 24, California Administrative Code [Reference: 2019 California Building Code Section 1225.2 - New buildings and additions, alterations, or repairs to existing buildings subject to licensure shall comply with applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code and California Fire Code (Parts 3,4, 5 and 9 of Title 24)] and requirements of the State Fire Marshal. § 72605. Notice to Department. The Department shall be notified in writing, by the owner or licensee of the skilled nursing facility, within five days of the commencement of any construction, remodeling or alterations to such facility. Note: Authority cited: Sections 208(a) and 1275, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 1276, Health and Safety Code. On December13, 2022 at 1:30 p.m., an unannounced visit was made to the facility to investigate a complaint regarding physical environment. The facility failed to obtain the necessary permits/construction sign-off final approval from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information ([HCAI] previously known as the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development [OSHPD]) and failed to notify the Department within five days of commencement for the installation/replacement/modification of: 1. A modified sliding glass door located at the front office. 2. A window installed into the wall between an office and the dining room. 3. Modifications made to the emergency generator system 4. Installation of a wooden patio cover (pergola). 5. Installation of ductwork (ventilation) in the basement laundry area. 6. Dryer exhaust vents from the basement laundry area 7. Roof extension on the north-west corner of the building without sprinkler coverage. This violation had the potential to result in avoidable accidents in the facility which include, fire from the installation of unauthorized equipment, or compromised structural integrity of the building from lack of construction inspection and approval. At the time of the investigation, the facility has a resident capacity of 48 residents who may have varying levels of medical and mental conditions. A review of the HCAI (the State Agency that reviews and approves plans for construction, repairs, renovations, and remodeling made to buildings to comply with the State building codes) notification dated December 13, 2022, indicated the facility conducted unauthorized construction/remodeling of: 1) a sliding glass door, 2) a window between an office and the dining room, 3) emergency power generator, 4) wooden pergola above the patio, 5) installation of duct work in the laundry area of the basement, 6) exhaust vents for the dryers, 7) roof extension on the north-west side of the building. These modifications were made without the benefit of plan approval, a building permit, testing, and inspection. On December 13, 2022, at 1:35 p.m., an interview was conducted with the Administrator and the Facility Owner regarding the seven unapproved building alteration projects. During this interview, the Owner stated that an HCAI inspector recently visited the facility and noted that structural alterations and repair work was done to the building without HCAI permission/approval. Furthermore, the owner stated that the HCAI inspector gave the facility directives to come into compliance with State building codes including obtaining building permits for the work done. On December 13, 2022, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:10 p.m., a general observation of the facility was conducted with the administrator and the owner. During this observation, the following were observed: 1. A sliding, glass patio door, located in the lobby and leading to a front office, was uneven to the floor. 2. One interior wall located between the dining room and the dietary office, had a non-fire rated window (fire rated – the manufacturing of the window so that it is able to resist fire damage/penetration for a standardized amount of time). 3. The emergency generator was observed next to the building, at the patio area. The generator’s exhaust pipe was shiny and appeared new, compared to the rest of the generator. 4. A wooden pergola (a type of gazebo with four or more wooden pillars, plastic roof paneling and wooden cross beams.) that covers the majority of the patio is attached to the building. The pergola is 8 feet (ft.) high, 15 ft. wide and 110 ft. long. 5. Ductwork was observed in the laundry area of the basement. According to the notification from HCAI, this ductwork is unapproved. 6. On the west side exterior of the building, there were two shiny dryer exhaust tubes, which are new in appearance that went above the roof. 7. At the front area (near the main entrance), there was extended roof. This extended roof measured 5 ft. wide by 10 ft. long and directly attached to the building. On February 2, 2023, 3:55 p.m., a revisit was conducted at the facility. The administrator and the owner were informed of the revisit. At 4:05 p.m., an interview was conducted with the administrator and the owner regarding the seven unapproved building alterations. During this interview, the owner stated that he did not know he need HCAI approval before starting any repairs, remodeling, or alteration projects, at the facility. The facility failed to obtain the necessary permits/construction sign-off final approval from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information ([HCAI] previously known as the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development [OSHPD]) and failed to notify the Department within five days of commencement for the installation/replacement/modification of: 1. A modified sliding glass door located at the front office. 2. A window installed into the wall between an office and the dining room. 3. Modifications made to the emergency generator system 4. Installation of a wooden patio cover (pergola). 5. Installation of ductwork (ventilation) in the basement laundry area. 6. Dryer exhaust vents from the basement laundry area 7. Roof extension on the north-west corner of the building without sprinkler coverage. As a result, this violation had the potential to result in avoidable accidents in the facility which include, fire from the installation of unauthorized equipment, or compromised structural integrity of the building from lack of construction inspection and approval. At the time of the investigation, the facility has a resident capacity of 48 residents who may have varying levels of medical and mental conditions. These violations, jointly, separately, or in any combination, had a direct or immediate relationship to the health, safety, or security of all residents in the facility.