Section 1556.

(a)  If the director determines that it is necessary to temporarily suspend any license or special permit of a community care facility in order to protect the residents or clients of the facility from physical or mental abuse, abandonment, or any other substantial threat to health or safety, the department shall make every effort to minimize transfer trauma for the residents or clients.

(b)  The department shall contact any local agency that may have placement or advocacy responsibility for the residents or clients of a facility after a decision is made to temporarily suspend the license or special permit of the facility and prior to its implementation. The department shall work with these agencies to locate alternative placement sites and to contact relatives responsible for the care of these clients or residents.

(c)  In any case where the department alleges that a client or resident has a health condition or health conditions which cannot be cared for within the limits of the license or special permit, or requires inpatient care in a health facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250), the department shall do all of the following:

(1)  Consult with physicians and surgeons about when the client or resident should be removed from the facility and how transfer trauma can be minimized.

(2)  If the department temporarily suspends the license or special permit of a facility, use physicians and surgeons or other medical personnel deemed appropriate by the department to provide onsite evaluation of the clients or residents.

(3)  If the department does not suspend the license or special permit of a facility, order the licensee to remove only those clients or residents who have health conditions which cannot be cared for within the limits of the license or special permit or require inpatient care in a health facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250), as determined by the department, if the department determines that other clients or residents are not in physical danger.

(d)  In any case where the department orders the licensee, or holder of a special permit, to remove a client or resident who has a health condition or health conditions which cannot be cared for within the limits of the license or special permit or requires inpatient care in a health facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250), the licensee or holder of a special permit shall do all of the following:

(1)  Prepare and submit to the department a written plan for relocation of the client or resident, in a form acceptable to the department.

(2)  Comply with all terms and conditions of the approved relocation plan.

(3)  Provide any other information as may be required by the department for the proper administration and enforcement of this section.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 606, Sec. 6.)