The California Legislature reconvened on January 5, 2015, and Assembly Member Calderon has re-introduced his bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 74, which regulates care facilities regulatory visits.
Assembly Member Calderon is known for being personally passionate about mandatory unannounced visits by DSS.
AB 74 is detailed below.
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AB 74
Added: Green underlined textDeleted: Dark red text with a strikethroughVetoed: Red text
2015 CA A 74
Author: Calderon I Version: Introduced Version Date: 01/05/2015 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE–2015-2016 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 74
Introduced by Assembly Member Calderon
January 05, 2015
An act to amend Sections 1534, 1569.33, 1597.09, and 1597.55a of the Health and Safety Code, relating to care facilities.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
AB 74, as introduced, Calderon. Care facilities: regulatory visits.
Under existing law, the State Department of Social Services regulates the licensure and operation of community care facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, child day care centers, and family day care homes. Existing law provides that these facilities, except for foster family homes, are subject to unannounced visits by the department at least once every 5 years. Existing law requires the department to conduct an annual unannounced visit under specified circumstances, including when a license is on probation, and to conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 20% of the facilities, other than foster family homes, that are not subject to an inspection under those specified circumstances.
This bill would instead make every facility of the types described above, except for, subject to an annual unannounced visit by the department on and after July 1, 2018. The bill would revise the provisions requiring the department to conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 20% of the facilities by instead requiring the department to conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 30% of facilities on or before July 1, 2016, and no less than 20% of those facilities on or before July 1, 2017. The bill would also delete the provisions requiring an unannounced visit at least once every 5 years.
Vote Required: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Immediate Effect NO Urgency: NO Tax Levy: NO Election: NO Usual Current Expenses: NO Budget Bill: NO Prop 25 Trailer Bill: NO
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 1534 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
1534. (a) (1) (A) Except for foster family homes, every licensed community care facility shall be subject to unannounced inspections by the department.
(B) Foster family homes shall be subject to announced inspections by the department, except that a foster family home shall be subject to unannounced inspections in response to a complaint, a plan of correction, or under any of the circumstances set forth in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2).
(2) (A) The department may inspect these facilities as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care provided.
(B) The department shall conduct an annual unannounced inspection of a facility under any of the following circumstances:
(i) When a license is on probation.
(ii) When the terms of agreement in a facility compliance plan require an annual inspection.
(iii) When an accusation against a licensee is pending.
(iv) When a facility requires an annual inspection as a condition of receiving federal financial participation.
(v) In order to verify that a person who has been ordered out of a facility by the department is no longer at the facility.
(C) (i) The department shall conduct annual unannounced inspections of no less than 20 percent of facilities, except for foster family homes, not subject to an inspection under subparagraph (B).
(ii)
(C) The department shall conduct annual announced inspections of no less than 20 percent of foster family homes not subject to an inspection under subparagraph (B).
(iii) These inspections shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department.
(iv) If the total citations issued by the department to facilities exceed the previous year’s total by 10 percent, the following year the department shall increase the random sample by an additional 10 percent of the facilities not subject to an inspection under subparagraph (B). The department may request additional resources to increase the random sample by 10 percent.
(v) The department shall not inspect a licensed community care facility less often than once every five years.
(D) (1) On or before July 1, 2016, the department shall conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 30 percent of facilities that are not subject to an evaluation pursuant to subparagraph (B). These unannounced visits shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department. Under no circumstances shall the department visit a licensed community care facility less often than once every three years.
(2) On or before July 1, 2017, the department shall conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 20 percent of facilities that are not subject to an evaluation pursuant to subparagraph (B). These unannounced visits shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department. Under no circumstances shall the department visit a licensed community care facility less often than once every two years.
(E) On and after July 1, 2018, the department shall conduct at least one annual unannounced visit to each licensed community care facility.
(3) In order to facilitate direct contact with group home clients, the department may interview children who are clients of group homes at any public agency or private agency at which the client may be found, including, but not limited to, a juvenile hall, recreation or vocational program, or a public or nonpublic school. The department shall respect the rights of the child while conducting the interview, including informing the child that he or she has the right not to be interviewed and the right to have another adult present during the interview.
(4) The department shall notify the community care facility in writing of all deficiencies in its compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, and shall set a reasonable length of time for compliance by the facility.
(5) Reports on the results of each inspection, evaluation, or consultation shall be kept on file in the department, and all inspection reports, consultation reports, lists of deficiencies, and plans of correction shall be open to public inspection.
(b) (1) This section does not limit the authority of the department to inspect or evaluate a licensed foster family agency, a certified family home, or any aspect of a program in which a licensed community care facility is certifying compliance with licensing requirements.
(2) (A) A foster family agency shall conduct an announced inspection of a certified family home during the annual recertification described in Section 1506 in order to ensure that the certified family home meets all applicable licensing standards. A foster family agency may inspect a certified family home as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care provided.
(B) In addition to the inspections required pursuant to subparagraph (A), a foster family agency shall conduct an unannounced inspection of a certified family home under any of the following circumstances:
(i) When a certified family home is on probation.
(ii) When the terms of the agreement in a facility compliance plan require an annual inspection.
(iii) When an accusation against a certified family home is pending.
(iv) When a certified family home requires an annual inspection as a condition of receiving federal financial participation.
(v) In order to verify that a person who has been ordered out of a certified family home by the department is no longer at the home.
(3) Upon a finding of noncompliance by the department, the department may require a foster family agency to deny or revoke the certificate of approval of a certified family home, or take other action the department may deem necessary for the protection of a child placed with the certified family home. The certified parent or prospective foster parent shall be afforded the due process provided pursuant to this chapter.
(4) If the department requires a foster family agency to deny or revoke the certificate of approval, the department shall serve an order of denial or revocation upon the certified or prospective foster parent and foster family agency that shall notify the certified or prospective foster parent of the basis of the department’s action and of the certified or prospective foster parent’s right to a hearing.
(5) Within 15 days after the department serves an order of denial or revocation, the certified or prospective foster parent may file a written appeal of the department’s decision with the department. The department’s action shall be final if the certified or prospective foster parent does not file a written appeal within 15 days after the department serves the denial or revocation order.
(6) The department’s order of the denial or revocation of the certificate of approval shall remain in effect until the hearing is completed and the director has made a final determination on the merits.
(7) A certified or prospective foster parent who files a written appeal of the department’s order with the department pursuant to this section shall, as part of the written request, provide his or her current mailing address. The certified or prospective foster parent shall subsequently notify the department in writing of any change in mailing address, until the hearing process has been completed or terminated.
(8) Hearings held pursuant to this section shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. In all proceedings conducted in accordance with this section the standard of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence.
(9) The department may institute or continue a disciplinary proceeding against a certified or prospective foster parent upon any ground provided by this section or Section 1550, enter an order denying or revoking the certificate of approval, or otherwise take disciplinary action against the certified or prospective foster parent, notwithstanding any resignation, withdrawal of application, surrender of the certificate of approval, or denial or revocation of the certificate of approval by the foster family agency.
(10) A foster family agency’s failure to comply with the department’s order to deny or revoke the certificate of approval by placing or retaining children in care shall be grounds for disciplining the licensee pursuant to Section 1550.
SEC. 2. Section 1569.33 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
1569.33. (a) Every licensed residential care facility for the elderly shall be subject to unannounced visits by the department. The department shall visit these facilities as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care provided.
(b) The department shall conduct an annual unannounced visit of a facility under any of the following circumstances:
(1) When a license is on probation.
(2) When the terms of agreement in a facility compliance plan require an annual evaluation.
(3) When an accusation against a licensee is pending.
(4) When a facility requires an annual visit as a condition of receiving federal financial participation.
(5) In order to verify that a person who has been ordered out of the facility for the elderly by the department is no longer at the facility.
(c) (1) The On or before July 1, 2016, the department shall conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 20 30 percent of facilities that are not subject to an evaluation under pursuant to subdivision (b). These unannounced visits shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department. Under no circumstances shall the department visit a licensed residential care facility for the elderly less often than once every three years.
(2) If the total citations issued by the department exceed the previous year’s total by 10 percent, the following year the department shall increase the random sample by 10 percent of the facilities not subject to an evaluation under subdivision (b). The department may request additional resources to increase the random sample by 10 percent.
(d) Under no circumstance shall the department visit a residential care facility for the elderly less often than once every five years.
(3) On or before July 1, 2017, the department shall conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 20 percent of facilities that are not subject to an evaluation pursuant to subdivision (b). These unannounced visits shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department. Under no circumstance shall the department visit a licensed residential care facility for the elderly less often than once every two years.
(4) On and after July 1, 2018, the department shall conduct at least one annual unannounced visit to each licensed residential care facility for the elderly.
(e)
( d) (1) The department shall notify the residential care facility for the elderly in writing of all deficiencies in its compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter.
(2) Unless otherwise specified in the plan of correction, the residential care facility for the elderly shall remedy the deficiencies within 10 days of the notification.
(f)
(e) (1) Reports on the results of each inspection, evaluation, or consultation shall be kept on file in the department, and all inspection reports, consultation reports, lists of deficiencies, and plans of correction shall be open to public inspection.
(2) (A) The department shall post on its Internet Web site information on how to obtain an inspection report.
(B) It is the intent of the Legislature that the department shall make inspection reports available on its Internet Web site by January 1, 2020.
(g)
(f) As a part of the department’s evaluation process, the department shall review the plan of operation, training logs, and marketing materials of any residential care facility for the elderly that advertises or promotes special care, special programming, or a special environment for persons with dementia to monitor compliance with Sections 1569.626 and 1569.627.
(h)
( g) (1) The department shall design, or cause to be designed, a poster that contains information on the appropriate reporting agency in case of a complaint or emergency.
(2) Each residential care facility for the elderly shall post this poster in the main entryway of its facility.
SEC. 3. Section 1597.09 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
1597.09. (a) Each licensed child day care center shall be subject to unannounced visits by the department. The department shall visit these facilities as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care provided.
(b) The department shall conduct an annual unannounced visit to a licensed child day care center under any of the following circumstances:
(1) When a license is on probation.
(2) When the terms of agreement in a facility compliance plan require an annual evaluation.
(3) When an accusation against a licensee is pending.
(4) In order to verify that a person who has been ordered out of a child day care center by the department is no longer at the facility.
(c) (1) The On or before July 1, 2016, the department shall conduct an annual unannounced visit to no less than 20 30 percent of facilities not subject to an evaluation under pursuant to subdivision (b). These unannounced visits shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department. Under no circumstance shall the department visit a licensed child day care center less often than once every three years.
(2) If the total citations issued by the department exceed the previous year’s total by 10 percent, the following year the department shall increase the random sample by 10 percent of facilities not subject to an evaluation under subdivision (b). The department may request additional resources to increase the random sample by 10 percent.
(d) Under no circumstance shall the department visit a licensed child day care center less often than once every five years.
(3) On or before July 1, 2017, the department shall conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 20 percent of the licensed child day care centers that are not subject to an evaluation pursuant to subdivision (b). These unannounced visits shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department. Under no circumstance shall the department visit a licensed child day care center less often than once every two years.
(d) On and after July 1, 2018, the department shall conduct at least one annual unannounced visit to each licensed child day care center.
SEC. 4. Section 1597.55a of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
1597.55a.
Every licensed family day care home shall be subject to unannounced visits by the department as provided in this section. The department shall visit these facilities as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care provided.
(a) The department shall conduct an announced site visit prior to the initial licensing of the applicant.
(b) The department shall conduct an annual unannounced visit to a facility under any of the following circumstances:
(1) When a license is on probation.
(2) When the terms of agreement in a facility compliance plan require an annual evaluation.
(3) When an accusation against a licensee is pending.
(4) In order to verify that a person who has been ordered out of a family day care home by the department is no longer at the facility.
(c) (1) The department On or before July 1, 2016, the department shall conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 20 30 percent of facilities that are not subject to an evaluation under pursuant to subdivision (b). These unannounced visits shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department. Under no circumstance shall the department visit a licensed family day care home less often than once every three years.
(2) If the total citations issued by the department exceed the previous year’s total by 10 percent, the following year the department shall increase the random sample by 10 percent of the facilities not subject to an evaluation under subdivision (b). The department may request additional resources to increase the random sample by 10 percent.
(d) Under no circumstance shall the department visit a licensed family day care home less often than once every five years.
(3) On or before July 1, 2017, the department shall conduct annual unannounced visits to no less than 20 percent of the licensed family day care homes that are not subject to an evaluation pursuant to subdivision (b). These unannounced visits shall be conducted based on a random sampling methodology developed by the department. Under no circumstance shall the department visit a licensed family day care home less often than once every two years.
(d) On and after July 1, 2018, the department shall conduct at least one annual unannounced visit to each licensed family day care home.
(e) A public agency under contract with the department may make spot checks if it does not result in any cost to the state. However, spot checks shall not be required by the department.
(f) The department or licensing agency shall make an unannounced site visit on the basis of a complaint and a followup visit as provided in Section 1596.853.
(g) An unannounced site visit shall adhere to both of the following conditions:
(1) The visit shall take place only during the facility’s normal business hours or at any time family day care services are being provided.
(2) The inspection of the facility shall be limited to those parts of the facility in which family day care services are provided or to which the children have access.
(h) The department shall implement this section during periods that Section 1597.55b is not being implemented in accordance with Section 18285.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
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