CDPH Fines Los Angeles County Facility in Death of Resident
Date: 11/18/2016
Number: 16-074
Contact: Ali Bay, (916) 440-7259
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that Capri in the Desert, a congregate living health facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class “AA” citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $25,000 fine.
A CDPH investigation found deficiencies that were determined to have been a direct proximate cause of death of a patient or resident.
All congregate living health facilities in California are required to be in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations governing health care facilities. Facilities are required to comply with these standards to ensure quality of care.
CDPH has the statutory authority to impose fines against congregate living health facilities it licenses as part of enforcement remedies for poor care. State citations that require a civil monetary penalty are categorized as Class B, A or AA. The associated fines for congregate living health facilities range from $100 to $1,000 for Class B, $1,000 to $10,000 for Class A and $5,000 to $25,000 for Class AA. The citation class and amount of the fine depend upon the significance and severity of the substantiated violation, as prescribed and defined in California law.
By providing congregate living health facilities it licenses with consequences for substantiated violations, CDPH strives to protect the health and safety of vulnerable individuals. The citation process is part of CDPH’s ongoing enforcement efforts in improving the quality of care provided to residents of the state’s facilities.