Other·June 28, 2021

Title 22-72601(a) 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 1, Division 17, Part 6, Title 24, California Administrative Code and requirements of the Start Fire Marshal. Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility made alterations to the existing building, licensed as a skilled nursing facility, without being in conformance with Chapter 1, Division 17, Part 6, Title 24, California Administrative Code and without approval from the State (OSHPD) Fire Marshall. The facility had altered the building with a new hot water heater and two new air conditioning units, without obtaining the requisite approvals from the authority having jurisdiction [AHJ/Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development (OSHPD)] and not notifying the AHJ and the OSHPD Fire Marshall’s Office Failure of the facility to obtain the requisite building permits/construction approval from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development/OSHPD Fire Marshall, prior to starting alterations/construction, for the installation of the hot water heater and air conditioning units had a direct relationship to the health, safety and security of the residents currently occupying the facility. On April 30, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., a complaint investigation was initiated regarding the facility's remodeling project. The Project Manager and a Contractor were informed of the allegations regarding the complaint visit Between 10:55 a.m. and 12:05 p.m., a general observation of the facility was conducted with the Project Manager and the Contractor. During this observation, the following was observed: 1. Three hot water heaters were observed throughout the facility. Two hot water heaters were secured and installed properly. However, the hot water heater for the kitchen appeared to be was not secured to the wall, without the approval from the authority having jurisdiction (OSHPD). OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development) is the State agency that reviews and approves plans for construction, repairs, renovations, and remodeling made to health care facility buildings to comply with State Building codes. 2. Two new air conditioning units were observed on the ground at the east side of the facility. A closer observation showed these air conditioning units were installed with improper wiring, without first obtaining the approval from OSHPD/OSHPD Fire Marshall. On April 30, 2021 12:10 p.m., an interview was conducted with the Project Manager and the Contractor regarding the hot water heater and the two air conditioning units. During this interview, when asked for the paperwork or permits from OSHPD, the Project Manager and the Contractor stated they did not have any paperwork or permits. Both were informed that whenever there are any alterations/construction made in or to the facility, the alterations needed plan approval/construction sign-off(s) from OSHPD and the OSHPD Fire Marshall. On April 30, 2021, at 1:35 p.m., an interview was conducted with the Assistant Administrator regarding the facility performing an alteration project without first obtaining the requisite approvals from OSHPD and the OSHPD Fire Marshall. The Assistant Administrator was informed that whenever there is any construction, remodeling or alterations made to the facility, the facility is required to notify OSHPD and the OSHPD State Marshall’s Office of the proposed changes and to obtain the requisite permits prior to starting any alteration/construction project. Failure of the facility to obtain the requisite building permits/construction approval from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development/OSHPD Fire Marshall, prior to starting alterations/construction, for the installation of the hot water heater and air conditioning units had a direct relationship to the health, safety and security of the residents currently occupying the facility.