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32 | In regard to the allegation” Staff did not give resident sufficient notice of rate increase.”, It is alleged that during R1’s stay at facility every year the rate would increase without written notification. During interview with Administrator, Assistant Administrator and Licensee all three (3) staff stated that whenever there is a rate increase family or responsible parties are always notified. Staff stated that R1’s POA was always late with the monthly payments. Licensee stated that the initial Admission Agreement was for $2600 but due to financial hardships that in 2024 a new admission agreement was made to reflect a lower amount of $1900 to help the family. LPA conducted a file review of monthly rent checks and it was revealed that in 2022 R1’s POA was paying $3100 when staff was asked to explain the discrepancy LPA was told that it was due to POA always being late the year prior, so they were making up the payments. LPA asked for documents to support this, and none could be provided. LPA also observed a written email signed by licensee that in April of 2023 R1’s monthly payment was $1940 but according to copies of checks provided in April of 2023 $3314 was paid to facility by POA. Licensee stated that R1’s condition had changed since he/she had first arrived at the facility and more services were needed. All staff indicated that R1’s POA was hard to get ahold of, and phone numbers provided were always changing. LPA could not obtain any document from facility that POA was notified of any rate increase.
In regard to the allegation” Staff are billing resident for services not rendered”, It is alleged that facility was billing R1 for a private room when in fact R1 was sharing a room. During interview with Administrator, Assistant Administrator, and Licensee and three (3) stated that resident initially had a single bedroom but because of changes to R1’s condition it was in R1’s best interest to be moved to bedroom in front so staff could keep an eye on resident. Licensee stated that R1’s condition had worsened and that POA was notified over the phone of the room change. It was also revealed that the reason for any rate increase was because more services were being provided. LPA asked to see documents of the change of condition of resident and Licensee was only able to provide appraisal needs and service plan for the years 2022, 2024, and 2025. LPA asked when room were changed and there was no documents indicating date. Licensee stated that appraisal needs and service plan are done every year but didn’t know why they were not in R1’s file to indicate the initial date of change of condition.
Based on record review and interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. Deficiencies are being cited according to California Code of Regulations, Title 22 and Health and Safety Code. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was given to Caregiver.
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