Several nursing homes in the Los Angeles area with high numbers of Korean American senior residents have been cited for serious violations of health and safety regulations, according to newly released state data. Some of the violations were severe enough to raise concerns about the welfare of residents.
According to an analysis by The Korea Daily of the 2024 violation statistics published by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), three nursing homes located in LA Koreatown—identified as facilities A, M, and G—received A-grade violations in February 2023, August 2023, and November 2023. Each facility was fined $25,000.
Another facility located in City B, which also has a large Korean American senior population, received A-grade violations in January 2023, March 2023, and December 2023, and paid a total of $65,000 in penalties.
In this context, “nursing home” refers to either assisted living facilities (where medical staff, including nurses, are on-site) or skilled nursing facilities (which provide care for patients with serious health conditions).
An A-grade violation is issued when a facility is found to have violated regulations related to hygiene, safety, or health care—but without causing a resident’s death. These violations typically result in fines ranging from $3,500 to $25,000.
The most serious classification, an AA-grade violation, is issued when a regulatory violation results in a resident’s death. This can carry fines of up to $120,000 per incident, and may also lead to criminal charges or facility closure. Investigations for AA-grade violations are launched based on reports from residents or their families. If violations are confirmed, the CDPH imposes disciplinary actions.
California health authorities aim to complete investigations within 45 to 60 days after receiving a complaint or report. If violations are found, disciplinary procedures begin following a formal review.
On June 17, The Korea Daily contacted Facility G to inquire about the specific nature of its violations. The facility responded that it was unable to provide details.
A representative from one nursing home stated, “Oversight of such facilities is extremely thorough, and operators are making every effort to avoid violations.” The representative added, “Because these facilities are funded by Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other government insurance programs, they are subject to particularly strict regulations.”
In 2024, more than 200 facilities in LA County were cited for A-grade violations, and over 20 facilities received AA-grade citations, according to the CDPH. The department releases annual reports each June detailing disciplinary actions and violation statistics for nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
The California Department of Public Health accepts complaints and reports at any time in multiple languages through its website: cdph.ca.gov/programs/chcq/lcp/calhealthfind/Pages/Home.aspx.
BY BRIAN CHOI [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
