CALA Advocating for CCL Budget Solutions

January 27, 2011
Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed state budget makes no changes to CCL – no higher fees, no additional inspections, no staffing cuts. But that is far from the final word and CALA is actively engaging key legislators and Administration officials to bring about the necessary changes to make CCL a functional oversight entity. CALA’s goal -- annual inspections and timely processing of applications, appeals and other core tasks.

While the Governor did not immediately move forward with CCL’s proposal from last year to redesign the licensing inspections, reclassify inspection types, impose a modest fee increase, and return to annual inspections using a new inspection protocol, CCL is using the redesigned inspection protocol in order to gather data on its efficacy. CCL believes that ultimately this new protocol will enhance health and safety (which has been the case in other states). Use of the new inspection protocol should allow for more time to be focused on other priority issues (like issuing licenses), although a host of structural changes are needed in order to restore CCL to a fully functional program.

The budget process this year is markedly different with a self-imposed March deadline to pass a budget, a June primary to gain voter approval for tax extensions, and a second legislative debate in June to make adjustments. This brings increased uncertainty and also multiple new opportunities to influence the outcome. CALA is actively engaged in conversations with legislators, Administration personnel and other stakeholders to make the necessary changes and return to some type of annual inspection and reasonable response time on other core licensing functions.

CALA will keep you posted as the CCL budget situation evolves. Want to get actively involved? Register for Assisted Living Advocacy Day!

November 5, 2010 CCL Releases Response Regarding Prioritizations

November 3, 2010 Alert

Last week at CALA's Fall Conference, CCL announced a change to their policy regarding orientations in order to help with the continued issue of CCL's workload prioritization.

Only those who have never attended an orientation for the specific facility category for which they are seeking licensure are required to attend orientation. Current licensees that are relocating to a new site, changing the type of ownership or expanding by opening another facility do NOT need to attend a new orientation. This new policy is effective immediately.

Revised Evaluator Manual

Octobver 13, 2010 Alert

CCL has released written clarification of its workload priorities and posted it on its website. The situation remains as CALA last reported - major core functions like issuing licenses and processing appeals have stalled, but have not been eliminated. Enforcement actions and complaints remain top priorities. What is still not known is how the recently enacted state budget impacts CCL's ability to perform its mandated tasks. CALA has a meeting with CCL pending and will report to members as soon as more information is available. Obviously, the current situation at CCL is unacceptable and CALA is working aggressively and creatively to restore and in some cases redesign CCL functions so that core licensing responsibilities can be met. If you encounter problems with licensing, please call Heather Harrison at (916) 448-1900.

September 24, 2010 Alert

CALA has received unofficial word that the potential services suspension policy is being reversed and CCL will continue functioning as usual. The delays in application processing and appeal reviews that providers have been experiencing will continue, but the doors will remain open.

We expect to see an official written release from the department posted on their website (www.ccld.ca.gov) early next week. CALA will get the details out to you as soon as they're available. Thank you to everyone who wrote letters - your voices were heard!

Original Alert

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?

Earlier this week, CALA sent an alert outlining CCL’s suspension of vital services - application processing, and citation appeal reviews, among other things. Much of this is obviously related to the record setting late State Budget, but some is likely to continue after a budget is enacted due to ongoing staff shortages in all CCL programs.

CALA is meeting with the Governor’s Office and key legislative leaders next week to get this resolved as quickly as possible. We are also continuing to work with CCL on the details of their new process (or lack of process), ways to operate more efficiently (streamlined applications, appeal specialists, hospice total care waivers/exceptions, just to name a few), and opportunities to move pending applications through the process as a health and safety measure for residents currently in care. CALA has also sent letters directly to the Governor and all state legislators. View CALA's letter.