Complaint Investigation Report

The complainant alleges that client was released from hospital and facility would not allow them to return. LPA interviewed administrator Paolo Recio, who stated he spoke with C1’s doctor and was instructed to take C1 to Mission Hospital for an assessment, as client had been falling frequently and facility staff was worried about their stbility. C1’s belongings remained in the home and Mr. Recio was not evicting C1, he was waiting for a medical assessment to see if the facility would still be able to meet C1’s needs. LPA Cifuentes spoke with social services staff at Mission Hospital who stated per their records, it was noted by ER nurse that C1 was in ER on 1/6/2022 and discharged to Carmie Care Home, then later returned to ER same day because facility stated they did not have a bed for C1. LPA reviewed facility files and noted that discharge paperwork was received for C1 on 1/4/2022 for So Cal Hospital of Hollywood. LPA Cifuentes interviewed clients (C2-C7) regarding the allegation. Of those interviewed, 6 out of 6 stated they had not been illegally evicted by facility staff, with one noting that C1 had left for medical reasons and they kept falling. LPA interviewed staff (S1) regarding the allegation. Of those interviewed 1 out of 1 stated facility had not illegally evicted any clients. Based on information gathered, the department found sufficient evidence to support the allegation.

Allegation: Facility did not get authorization from conservator for medical care.

The complainant alleges that facility staff took client to hospital without informing conservator. LPA interviewed administrator Paolo Recio on 2/2/2022 who stated C1 told him their legs felt week, so they contacted doctor and asked where they should take C1 to get checked. On 6/7/2022, administrator Recio stated they contacted both clients conservator and psychiatrist regarding possible hospitalization and called 911 when they noticed clients weakness. Per W1, conservator was not notified until after C1 was taken to the hospital. LPA Cifuentes interviewed clients (C2-C7) regarding the allegation. Of those interviewed, only one stated a conservator was involved with their medical appointments, the other 6 stated they handled it on their own of it was handled by their doctors. LPA interviewed staff (S1) regarding the allegation. Of those interviewed 1 out of 1 facility contacts conservators or family unless clients handle their own medical care. Based on information gathered, the department found sufficient evidence to support the allegation.

Based on LPAs observations, interviews which were conducted and record review(s), the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation(s) is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6 and Chapter 8 are being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D.

An exit interview was conducted and a copy of the LIC 9099 was provided to Paolo Recio, administrator.