Complaint Investigation Report

This report serves as an amendment to clarify the findings. It does not supersede the complaint investigation findings reflected in the report created on 3/6/2024.

Allegation: Staff does not accord resident privacy.

The details of the complaint alleged that facility staff does not accord resident’s privacy.

During the records review, LPA Iniguez and Cross reviewed the following documents: (R#1-R#4) Admissions Agreement, in which The Right to Privacy in Accommodations clause was written. The clause states that “the statutory and regulatory resident and personal rights agreement included with the agreement to allow residents a “reasonable level of privacy in accommodations” as outlined in health and safety.” LPAs observed the resident or legal representative signs this clause. In addition, LPAs observed the Resident/Personal Rights clause, in the clause it is stated that “The resident and the resident’s representative, if any, is entitled under California State law to receive a copy of the resident’s rights pertaining to admission and retention in this facility.” LPAs observed that the resident or legal representative signs this clause.

During the facility tour, LPA Iniguez observed the residents’ rights posted in a prominent area where residents, family, and visitors can access them.

During an interview with the Administrator (A#1), he stated that he is aware of the residents’ rights and that the residents in care are getting their private conversations respected by facility staff. In addition, (A#1) stated that he only stays with the residents if they ask me to stay when they do not know the person asking them questions. Also, (A#1) stated that he has always respected residents’ private conversations. Moreover, (A#1) stated that he had observed instances where the Long-term Care Ombudsman-LTCO does not follow the house rules while visiting the residents. Specifically, they knock on the door and do not wait for (A#1) to sign them in, instead they directly enter the residents' rooms. In such situations, (A#1) asks the residents if they would prefer to speak to the LTCO alone or if they would like (A#1) to be present during the conversation. (A#1) respects their choice and stays accordingly. Also, (A#1) stated that when residents in care received visits or phone calls, he respects their privacy.