Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez introduced Assembly Bill 2044, which will improve the quality of life for elderly in assisted living facilities licensed as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly in California.
AB 2044 seeks to tighten numerous loopholes in current law regarding residential care facilities. Specifically, AB 2044 would:
- Improve the conditions and treatment at residential care facilities by requiring every licensed facility to undergo annual unannounced visits by the State Department of Social Services (DSS). Currently, inspections are scheduled every five years
- Require that at least one care provider or staff member on duty has CPR and first aid training
- Require additional training for facility staff at the time of hire including residents rights, fire safety and emergency procedures, and disability sensitivity
- Provide for timely investigations into complaints filed against residential care facilities, with a tighter timeframe for complaints involving reported abuse or neglect.
- Ensure that a sufficient ratio of staff to residents is maintained and on duty with at least one staff member in a supervisory role to be on site 24 hours a day
"Throughout my career as an Emergency Medical Technician I have responded to numerous calls from residential care facilities," said Rodriguez. "In some cases, residents of these facilities had not been bathed recently and others had bed sores. More alarmingly, when arrived to transport a patient, there were often no supervisory personnel present at the facility and we had no clear understanding of who was in charge or what was going on."
Rodriguez continued, "When we place our loved ones in a residential care facility, we want the security of knowing that they will be well taken care of and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This bill will raise the standard of care that our senior citizens receive and deserve at these facilities and ensure that they are provided with proper medical care and adequate supervision."
Because these facilities are non-medical, they are regulated by Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. According to the Department of Social Services, there are over 7,5000 licensed residential care facilities for the elderly in the state with a total bed capacity of 174,108, ranging in size from two-bed facilities to 200+ bed facilities. The average monthly cost per resident, depending on the type of accommodation and services needed, ranges from $2,500 to $3,000.
Assemblymember Rodriguez represents the 52nd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona and portions of unincorporated Fontana.
CONTACT: Francisco Estrada, (916) 319-2052