Gov. Brown toughens rules on senior residential care facilities

Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday approved sweeping new rules for residential care facilities aimed at protecting senior citizens from substandard conditions. The governor approved nine bills that his office said in a statement are meant to “protect the health and safety of seniors residing in assisted living facilities across the state.”

Signed bills include one that requires residential care facilities for the elderly to remedy license deficiencies within 10 days of notification. Sen. Ellen Corbett (D-Hayward) introduced SB 895. The measure also requires the California Department of Social Services to post online how families and residents can obtain inspection reports.

Corbett introduced the bill after the California Department of Social Services issued an order to close Valley Springs Manor in Castro Valley last year, but 19 assisted living residents were left without adequate care for two days.

“Assisted living residents and their families deserve to know that the facilities and the state will do all they can to ensure the ongoing safety of elderly and sick residents,” Corbett said in a statement.

Other bills signed by the governor will:

• Increase training requirements for administrators of residential care facilities and certain direct care staff. Sen. Marty Block (D-San Diego) introduced SB 911.

• Permit suspension of new admissions to a residential care facility that has been cited for violations that pose a risk to the health and safety of residents. Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) introduced SB 1153.

• Prohibit the reinstatement of a license for residential care facilities for licensees who abandon a facility. AB 1899 was introduced by Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino).