Offenses - Health Facilities - Health & Safety - CA

Section § 1290

This section outlines the penalties for violating certain health-related laws and regulations. Generally, breaking these rules can result in a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, 180 days in jail, or both. However, if someone violates Section 1286 specifically, it's considered a less severe infraction with a fine up to $100. Violations involving the operation or maintenance of long-term care facilities could lead to a larger fine of up to $2,500 and possible jail time. The court will consider factors like the risk to patients and the violator's intentions when deciding the punishment.

It also specifies that someone acts 'willfully' if they intentionally perform or omit an act while understanding the surrounding circumstances.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b) or (c), any person who violates this chapter or Section 127050 or 128600, or who willfully or repeatedly violates any rule or regulation adopted under this chapter or Section 127050 or 128600 is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed 180 days, or by both the fine and imprisonment.

(b) Any person who violates Section 1286 is guilty of an infraction and shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100).

(c) Any person who willfully or repeatedly violates this chapter or Chapter 2.4 (commencing with Section 1417), excluding Sections 1425 and 1432, or any rule or regulation adopted under this chapter, relating to the operation or maintenance of a long-term health care facility as defined in Section 1418, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed 180 days, or by both.

In determining the punishment to be imposed upon a conviction under this subdivision, the court shall consider all relevant facts, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Whether the violation exposed the patient to the risk of death or serious physical harm.

(2) Whether the violation had a direct or immediate relationship to the health, safety, or security of the patient.

(3) Evidence, if any, of willfulness.

(4) The number of repeated violations.

(5) The presence or absence of good faith efforts by the defendant to prevent the violation.

(d) For the purposes of this section, “willfully” or “willful” means the person doing an act or omitting to do an act intends the act or omission, and knows the relevant circumstances connected therewith.

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Section § 1291

If someone is violating or about to violate certain health care regulations (Section 1253), the director has the power to ask the court to issue an order stopping them. This legal action can be taken in the county where the issue is happening. The process follows general rules for court actions, but the director doesn't need to prove that there's no other legal fix or immediate damage. If the violations put patients' health or safety at risk, local health officers can also take action to stop it. Before doing so, they need to try to notify patients, doctors, and relevant agencies about the potential action. If the court finds the violation claims to be true, it will order the facility to stop breaking the rules.

The director may bring an action to enjoin the violation or threatened violation of Section 1253 in the superior court in and for the county in which the violation occurred or is about to occur. Any proceeding under this section shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that the director shall not be required to allege facts necessary to show or tending to show lack of adequate remedy at law or irreparable damage or loss. Upon a finding by the director that the violations threaten the health or safety of patients in, or served by, a health facility, the health officer of any county or city health department which has been delegated inspection authority as defined in Section 1257 may bring an action to enjoin the violation, threatened violation, or continued violation by any health facility which is located in an area which is under his or her local health jurisdiction. Prior to bringing an action to enjoin the violation, the department shall ensure, to the extent feasible, that written notice of the proposed action is provided to each patient or the party responsible for each patient, each patient’s physician and appropriate agencies which may be able to assist in, or facilitate, the placement of the patient in a licensed facility.

With respect to any and all actions brought pursuant to this section alleging the actual violation of Section 1253, the court shall, if it finds the allegations to be true, issue its order enjoining the facility from continuance of the violation.

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Section § 1292

If the director takes legal action against a health facility, the case won't automatically end just because the facility is sold or changes ownership. The director must explicitly agree in writing to stop the case.

Any action brought by the director against a health facility shall not abate by reason of a sale or other transfer of ownership of the health facility which is a party to the action except with express written consent of the director.

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Section § 1293

This law requires that the district attorney in each county must start and manage legal proceedings against anyone who breaks the rules set out in this chapter when requested by the state department or their appointed representative.

The district attorney of every county shall, upon application by the state department or its authorized representative, institute and conduct the prosecution of any action for violation within his county of any provisions of this chapter.

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Section § 1293.2

It's a misdemeanor if someone intentionally either obstructs or tries to hinder a state department representative who's enforcing the law under this chapter. This could be interfering with their work, stopping them from looking at important books or records, or getting in the way of collecting evidence on rule-breaking.

Importantly, "willfully" means the person knew what they were doing was wrong and did it with the intention of causing disruption.

It is a misdemeanor for any person to do any of the following:

(a) Willfully prevent, interfere with, or attempt to impede in any way the work of any duly authorized representative of the state department in the lawful enforcement of this chapter.

(b) Willfully prevent or attempt to prevent the representative from examining any relevant books or records in the conduct of his or her official duties under this chapter.

(c) Willfully prevent or interfere with the representative in the preserving of evidence of any violation of this chapter or of the rules and regulations adopted under this chapter.

(d) For purposes of this section, “willfully” means the person doing an act or omitting to do an act, intends the act or omission and knows the relevant circumstances connected therewith.

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