Pat McGinnis with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform says the state’s inability to collect fines is symptomatic of 10 years of budget cuts and inattention.
“It’s time to step up now because people are dying; people are getting severely injured; people are being neglected; people are being abused,” says McGinnis.
“And why?" McGinnis asks. "Because there’s no oversight.”
The California Department of Social Services, which oversees assisted living facilities, did not respond to requests for comment.
California is one of only two states that inspect assisted living facilities every five years. The majority of other states conduct yearly inspections.
The California Assisted Living Association says it backs increased inspections.
State lawmakers plan hearings on conditions at assisted living facilities early next year, which may lead to legislative action.
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