Lotus Senior Care, Huntington Beach

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Allegation investigated: Facility staff locked residents in their rooms

On September 21, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Eboni Bentley conducted an unannounced initial complaint investigation visit into the above allegation. LPA was greeted and granted entry by staff after explaining the purpose of the visit, and met with Administrator Rita Lee. During the visit, LPA obtained Resident and Staff Rosters, Emergency and Information Forms, Physician’s Reports, Pre-appraisal, and Needs and Service Plan. Interviews were conducted with residents and staff. The following was determined during the course of the investigation: Regarding the allegation, Facility staff locked residents in their rooms, it was alleged that staff locked residents in their room with use of exterior bedroom door locks and ropes to secure exterior exit doors. On August 31, 2026 at 2:00 AM, a neighbor called the Huntington Beach Fire Department (HBFD) because they observed a resident banging on a window. Continue to LIC9099-C...... Substantiated When the fire department arrived, a resident stated the staff locked her in her room. Three out of five residents present during the today’s visit denied the allegation. One resident stated they feel safe, staff are always nice, and they do not recall the doors ever being locked from the outside. LPA was unable to qualify two residents due to their diagnosis. Three out of three staff confirmed the allegation. One staff, Staff #1 (S1) stated that when the HBFD inspected the facility on August 31, 2026, locks were installed on the outside of former Resident #1 (R1)/current Resident #2 (R2) and Resident #3 (R3) bedroom doors. The door handles were changed following that visit and have not been changed back. Another staff, Staff #2 (S2), stated R1/R2’s bedroom doors were locked from the outside handle and a rope was also used to tie the exterior sliding door handle for that room to R3’s exterior sliding door handle in order to prevent exit. A third staff, Staff #3 (S3) stated a rope was used to tie Resident #4’s (R4) exterior door handles together to prevent exit. This is corroborated by witness statements from the HBFD following a visit to the facility on August 31, 2026. Two follow up visits were conducted by HBFD, and it was confirmed that the locks on residents’ bedroom doors had been changed from the outside to the inside of the rooms and that ropes were removed from exit doors. Based on interviews that were conducted and records reviewed during the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met and the allegation: Facility staff locked residents in their rooms is deemed SUBSTANTIATED. A deficiency is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D, as per Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8 of the California Code of Regulations. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator Rita Lee and a copy of this report, LIC9099-D, LIC811, and appeal rights were provided at the end of the visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 21, 2026 · control 22-AS-20260911144145

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type A · Section cited: CCR 87202(a) · Plan of correction due date: Sep 22, 2026

(a) All facilities shall maintain a fire clearance approved ... county fire department or district providing fire protection services, or the State Fire Marshal. ....and county fire department .. or the State Fire Marshal: This requirement is not met as evidenced by: Based on interviews and admission, the facility installed lock on the outside of residents' bedroom doors requiring a key to exit the and used ropes/belts to tie shut exterior exit doors, which posed an immediate safety risk to persons in care. CIVIL PENALTY ASSESSED.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 21, 2026

Plan of correction: Following the Fire Department's inspection, the facility removed the locks from the outside of residents' bedroom doors and removed ropes/belts from residents' exterior exit doors. LPA confirmed during visit. Administrator stated they will submit a statement of understanding, conduct training with staff, and submit proof to LPA by POC due date.

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kimberly Lyman conducted an unannounced visit to Lotus Senior Care Huntington Beach. The purpose of today’s visit was to conduct the Annual Required inspection. LPA was allowed entry into the home and met with Caregiver Josh Catayas. Facility is licensed for 6 non-ambulatory residents, of which three may be bedridden. Facility has an approved hospice waiver for 4 residents and the home currently has 4 residents. There is 1 resident on hospice during today's visit. Rita Lee has an administrator certificate expiring on July 31, 2026. Upon entry the facility appears clean, safe and sanitary. LPA Lyman along with Caregiver Catayas toured the facility at 8:34 AM. LPA toured the physical plant, checked food service, facility records and the first aid kit. The home consists of five resident bedrooms, two shared hall bathrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen on the first floor and caregiver quarters on the second floor. There are no residents residing on the second floor. Resident bedrooms had the required furniture, bed linens and closet/drawer space to accommodate each resident comfortably. LPA observed two residents with a half bed rails. Resident bathrooms were checked. Toilets and water faucets worked properly, grab bars were secure and shower was free of mold/mildew. At 8:50 AM, LPA tested the water temperature which measured between 116.4 and 134.6 degrees F in facility bathrooms. Resident bath towels, toiletries and personal hygiene supplies were adequately stocked at time of visit. Common areas were clean and clear of hazards, doorways were free of obstructions. First aid kit had all the required elements including tweezers, thermometer, and scissors. At 9:00 AM, LPA observed unsecured cleaning supplies and Raid under the kitchen sink. Kitchen was inspected. Perishable and non-perishable food supply was checked and adequately stocked at time of visit. Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors are hardwired and tested operational during today's visit. Fire extinguishers are fully charged. Kitchen appliances are operational during today's visit. CONTINUED ON LIC 9099C DATED 02/10/2026 LPA toured the outside grounds and there is ample shaded seating for residents. Exit gates are unlocked and self latching. LPA observed emergency food and water supply in the garage. LPA reviewed the emergency disaster plan during the visit. Plan is thorough and complete. Facility provides activities in the form of games and exercise. LPA reviewed four resident files and four staff files. Resident files contained required documents including admission agreements, physician reports and resident appraisals. One out of four residents do not have an updated annual assessment. One out of two residents do not have an order for bed rails in the file. Staff files reviewed contained required documentation such as health screen/TB, and criminal record clearance. Two out of four staff do not have required annual training. LPA reviewed medication storage and administration. Medications are stored in a locked cabinet and are audited weekly. Medications appear to be administered per physician order. Based on the observations made during today’s inspection, deficiencies are being cited per Title 22 Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report and appeal rights was left at the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 10, 2026

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Nancy Guillen made an unannounced visit for the purpose of conducting a required annual Inspection. LPA was greeted and granted entry by caregiver Hendrick Catayas after explaining the purpose of the visit. Administrator (AD) Rita Lee was notified and assisted via telephone. LPA observed the Administrator Certificate was current and expires July 31, 2026. This is a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) licensed to six non-ambulatory residents, of which three may be bedridden, with a hospice waiver for four. The facility is a two-story home. The first floor consists of five resident bedrooms, three resident bathrooms, a family room, dinning room, kitchen and garage. The second floor is for staff and consists of three staff bedrooms, one bathroom and a vanity room. During the inspection, LPA and caregiver Hendrick Catayas toured the inside and outside of the facility, common areas, resident rooms, kitchen, garage and observed the following:LPA observed residents watching television in their respective rooms and sitting in the dinning table. LPA observed five residents in care and two staff present. LPA observed the See Something Say Something Poster (PUB 475) mounted on the wall by the entrance to the facility. LPA observed knives to be located in an unlocked drawer in the kitchen; a deficiency was cited on today’s date. All resident bedrooms had the required furnishings. LPA observed four out of five residents had bed rails with no doctor’s orders present at the facility; a deficiency was cited on today’s date. Resident 2 had a camera in his bedroom; a deficiency was cited on today’s date. LPA observed all resident beds had linens and blankets with additional linens stored in Room 1. LPA observed bathrooms were clean and equipped with grab bars and non skid floor mats. LPA observed all windows were appropriately screened. Bathrooms were observed to be free of debris and mildew, faucets and toilets were tested operational. Water temperature tested between 110.8 and 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit; a deficiency was cited on today’s date. LPA toured the outside of the facility and observed outdoor passageways were free of obstruction. LPA observed the backyard had a shaded sitting area with furniture for resident use. Continued on 809C LPA observed the facility had a 2-day supply of perishables and a 7-day supply of non-perishable food as required by regulations. Smoke detectors tested operational, however a carbon monoxide detector was not located at the facility; a deficiency was cited on today’s date. Fire extinguisher was observed to be fully charged with a service date of February 20, 2025 and located in the family room. Gas stove, microwave, washer, and dryer were all inspected and observed to be operable. Toxic chemicals, cleaning solutions, and disinfectants were observed to be locked and inaccessible to residents under the kitchen sink. Medication cabinet was observed to be locked and centrally stored in the kitchen however, PreserVision and Iprat-Albut was being administered to residents without a doctor’s order present at the facility; a deficiency was cited on this date. LPA observed the First Aid Kit had all the required components. LPA observed the facility conducted their last emergency disaster drill on August 2, 2024; a deficiency was cited on today’s date. Liability insurance was not present at the facility; a Technical Violation was given on today’s date. LPA began review of the records. LPA reviewed five resident records. One out of five records reviewed was missing a Physician’s Report and an admissions agreement and three of the five records reviewed were missing negative TB tests; deficiencies were cited on today’s date. LPA reviewed three employee records. All employee’s present have a criminal record clearance and were associated to the facility. However, all staff CPR certifications were observed expired ; a deficiency was cited on today’s date. Two of the staff present today did not have a negative TB test present at the facility; a deficiency was cited on today’s date. Based on the observations made during today’s inspection, deficiencies are being cited per Title 22 Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report and appeal rights was left at the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 7, 2025

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 5/24/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jenifer Tirre conducted an unannounced required visit using the CARE Inspection Tool. LPA was greeted by caregiver and granted entry after stating the purpose of the visit. Administrator (AD) Rita Lee was not present to assist with the facility inspection on today's date. LPA spoke to the Administrator by telephone and consented Caregiver Jash Catayes to sign the report on her behalf. The facility is licensed for six (6) non-ambulatory residents with approved for three (3) bedridden and hospice waiver for three (3) residents. Currently, there are zero (0) Hospice residents present during today’s visit. Facility is a single story with a two-car garage home. The facility has eight bedrooms (five resident rooms and three caregiver rooms), and three bathrooms. At around 9:15AM, LPA conducted a tour of the physical plant accompanied by Caregiver Jash Catayes, and the following was observed: All rooms were inspected. Beds and bedding supplies were in operational condition, lighting was provided, and storage for the Resident's personal belongings was observed. Bed linens, comforters, and bath towels were available during the visit. Bathrooms were operational with water temperature measured between 114.8 to 121.4 degrees F. A comfortable temperature of 73 degrees F. was maintained in the facility. LPA observed the facility to be furnished at the time of the visit. Storage areas for personal hygiene and sharps objects were stored and not accessible to residents. The kitchen was inspected, and sufficient perishable and non-perishable food was maintained adequately. LPA observed emergency food and water supply. LPA observed two fire extinguishers that were fully charged. A review of the Medication Records Administration (MAR) was conducted, and LPA observed the records are in compliance. CONTINUED ON 809C During the visit, LPA observed the facility's infection control practices. LPA observed screening protocols for visitors, staff, and residents, and sanitizing stations in common areas and restrooms. LPA observed the facility has a 30-day supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). All mandated inspection control posters were posted. LPA observed First Aid Kit was maintained. A working landline phone was operational. The last fire drill was conducted in November 2023. The facility has operational smoke and carbon monoxide detector's in bedrooms and common areas. The facility has current liability insurance on file effective 9/1/2023 - 9/1/2024. The facility is current on Community Care Licensing annual dues. A review of five residents (R1-R5) service files and three staff (S1-S3) personnel files revealed to be complete. The facility has the current administrator's certification on file for Rita Lee # 6028783740 - Expiration 7/31/2024. No deficiencies during this inspection visit. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator Lee via telephone. A copy of the report was reviewed and provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 24, 2024