Complaint Investigation Report

Information gathered during the investigation reflected that R1 was admitted to the facility on 12/19/2022, however the family responsible for R1 denies admitting R1 into hospice services. The family member also stated that neither facility staff nor any health care professionals ever discussed with the family about admitting R1 into any hospice services. Per hospital records and interview with the family, on 02/06/2023, R1 eloped from the facility and was later admitted into a local hospital (under investigation on Complaint Control #29-AS-20230131164509) and did not return to the facility. According to the family they obtained R1's belongings from the facility on 02/09/2023. Information obtained from records review and interviews conducted with responsible parties of other residents in care revealed that Resident 2 (R2) and Resident 3 (R3) were also receiving services from Sweet Touch Hospice. R3s responsible party stated R3s records indicated that R3 was receiving services from Sweet Touch Hospice from July 2021 to March 2023, but R3s responsible party also denied signing R3 up for any service with Sweet Touch Hospice. R2s responsible party stated they did in fact admit R2 into services with Sweet Touch Hospice. Interviews conducted with Administrator revealed that they have been business partners for approximately 10 years with Anna Hakobyan who has been identified as an individual associated with Sweet Touch Hospice. Administrator indicated they receive payments from all residents and denied any knowledge of any residents paying or being in contact with Anna. Administrator continued to state families may be in contact with Anna for hospice or home health services. Based on information obtained during the investigation, the department has sufficient evidence to determine that R1 received hospice services that they had not agreed to receive. Therefore, the above allegation is deemed SUBSTANTIATED at this time.

The following deficiencies were observed (See LIC 9099-D.) and cited from the California Code of Regulations, Title 22 and California Health and Safety Code. Failure to correct the deficiencies may result in civil penalties. Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report and appeal rights were provided.