​​CDPH Fines a Facility in Los Angeles County in Death of Resident

Date: January 18, 2018
Number: 18-005
Contact: Corey Egel | 916.440.7259 | CDPHpress@cdph.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that St. John of God Retirement and Care Center, a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class “AA” citation, the most severe penalty under State law, and a $100,000 fine from the State of California.

A CDPH investigation (Penalty Number – 910013610) found deficiencies that were determined to have been a direct proximate cause of death of a patient or resident.

All nursing 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 nursing 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 range from $100 to $2,000 for Class B, $2,000 to $20,000 for Class A and $25,000 to $100,000 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 nursing facilities it licenses with consequences for substantiated violations, CDPH strives to protect the health and safety of vulnerable individuals.