CCL Suspends Vital Services
Andreea Kenez
September 22, 2010
On September 20, 2010, CALA engaged in a lengthy conversation with CCL leadership and learned that CCL is temporarily suspending application processing (with minor exceptions) and appeal processing effective immediately. In addition, orientations will be suspended effective October 1, 2010. According to CCL, this is due to the cumulative effect of the budget shortfalls and repeated cuts to CCL staffing.
Applications
With very limited exceptions, application processing will cease immediately. Application specialists are being reassigned to other duties. CCL is reviewing pending applications to see if any can be processed quickly. On a case by case basis, CCL will make exceptions for immediate health and safety such as an unlicensed operator and situations involving communities where residents are already in care (change of management company, change of owner). These will be determined by Mary Jolls on a case by case basis.
Appeals
Appeal processing has been put on hold, although licensees should continue to submit them. Health condition relocations will be the only exception. LPAs are being instructed to call their manager before citing a licensee if there is any doubt about a regulatory requirement in order to avoid the need for an appeal in the first place.
Orientations
No orientations will take place after October 1, 2010. Those already conducted will not expire while this suspension is in place.
Other
CCL is also suspending all internal training, limiting staff involvement in community events and meetings, and reducing phone coverage for the public.
What Will CCL be Doing?
CCL's top priority is complaint investigations. Depending on the staffing level of the individual office, 5-year inspections and 30% random sample inspections will take place if staffing allows. CCL also intends to continue processing waivers and exceptions.
What is CALA Doing?
CALA is exploring a budgetary solution to this situation, investigating the possibility of outsourcing these vital functions, and will continue to talk with CCL regarding the details and the "temporary" nature of this new approach. And of course keep members posted!
Source: California Assisted Living Association (CALA)
Applications
With very limited exceptions, application processing will cease immediately. Application specialists are being reassigned to other duties. CCL is reviewing pending applications to see if any can be processed quickly. On a case by case basis, CCL will make exceptions for immediate health and safety such as an unlicensed operator and situations involving communities where residents are already in care (change of management company, change of owner). These will be determined by Mary Jolls on a case by case basis.
Appeals
Appeal processing has been put on hold, although licensees should continue to submit them. Health condition relocations will be the only exception. LPAs are being instructed to call their manager before citing a licensee if there is any doubt about a regulatory requirement in order to avoid the need for an appeal in the first place.
Orientations
No orientations will take place after October 1, 2010. Those already conducted will not expire while this suspension is in place.
Other
CCL is also suspending all internal training, limiting staff involvement in community events and meetings, and reducing phone coverage for the public.
What Will CCL be Doing?
CCL's top priority is complaint investigations. Depending on the staffing level of the individual office, 5-year inspections and 30% random sample inspections will take place if staffing allows. CCL also intends to continue processing waivers and exceptions.
What is CALA Doing?
CALA is exploring a budgetary solution to this situation, investigating the possibility of outsourcing these vital functions, and will continue to talk with CCL regarding the details and the "temporary" nature of this new approach. And of course keep members posted!
Source: California Assisted Living Association (CALA)
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