Department of Social Services Launches Mobile Search site for RCFEs
The California Department of Social Services maintains a website that allows the public to search for licensed facilities and view information on their past inspections, reports, citations, and complaints. It provides individuals and their families with an important resource to assist in the evaluation of facilities. https://secure.dss.ca.gov/CareFacilitySearch/Search/ElderlyAssistedLiving
The Department has recently launched a mobile version of this website. CDSS Facility Search is a free application, and can be acquired in both the Apple and Google Play app stores. It maintains the same functionality of the transparency website, while providing a platform that is better suited to mobile devices. If you have any questions, please contact the cclwebmaster@dss.ca.gov.
Assisted Living Waiver Institutes Waitlist
In March 2017, California’s Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP) reached its capacity of 3,700 participants. The Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) has instituted a waitlist, and on May 22, 2017 began accepting “Waitlist Request Forms.” Individuals interested in holding a spot on the waitlist should contact a Care Coordination Agency in their county to complete a one-page Waitlist Request Form. Please be advised that there are currently very significant wait times, due to the existing backlog of applications held by DHCS.
Individuals are nevertheless encouraged to submit a Waitlist Request Form to hold a spot on the list, and to demonstrate to the State that there is strong demand for this program, and a need for expansion. For more information, please contact CANHR at 1(800) 474-1116.
Free Online Advance Health Care Directive for Consumers
Every adult should have an advance health care directive (AHCD) to state their health care preferences and to name a substitute health care decision-maker in case there is ever an accident or condition that renders the adult unable to make their own decisions. This is true now more than ever in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that makes it easier for an agent under a power of attorney to sign an arbitration agreement and waive an individual’s right to have their case decided in a court of law.
To help consumers express their health care preferences and preserve their right to go to Court, CANHR has created its own AHCD form, free for download. The form protects consumers from situations like those in the above case by including explicit language limiting an agent’s authority to enter into pre-dispute arbitration agreements. The form also has innovative features specific to long-term care concerns as well as simple expressions of end-of-life wishes. Consumers can also download a detailed set of instructions for guidance in completing the form. Click here for more information.
