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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197609839
Report Date: 04/02/2025
Date Signed: 04/02/2025 11:35:17 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
WOODLAND HILLS S.RO, 21731 VENTURA BLVD., STE. 250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/26/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Lorena Casillas
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 31-AS-20250326124148
FACILITY NAME:CASA AMORE WESTFACILITY NUMBER:
197609839
ADMINISTRATOR:TORTORICI, MARGARITAFACILITY TYPE:
740
ADDRESS:1715 LAKE WAYTELEPHONE:
(661) 522-3259
CITY:LANCASTERSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93534
CAPACITY:6CENSUS: 4DATE:
04/02/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:30 AM
MET WITH:TIME COMPLETED:
11:45 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Facility exit door is not kept free of obstructions.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 04/02/2025 at 09:30 am Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lorena Casillas conducted an unannounced complaint visit to investigate the above stated allegation. LPA was greeted by staff who allowed entry and called Licensee Margarita Tortorici, to meet with LPA. LPA spoke to Licensee explained the reason for the visit, Licensee stated that Licensee and Administrator would not be able to meet with LPA and Licensee assigned staff member Rosalva Arredondo to sign the report. An entrance interview was conducted.

From 09:30 am to 11:30 am LPA toured the facility with staff member, interviewed residents and staff, and reviewed facility files. The facility is fire cleared for six (6) non-ambulatory residents, one (1) of which maybe bedridden in bedroom #4 only. Approved hospice for four (4) residents. LPA requested copies of resident roster, LIC 500, Liability Insurance and Administrator Certificate, these will be emailed to LPA. LPA requested copies of pertinent information relevant to the investigation including but not limited to admission agreements, resident medical records, and any information pertaining to residents in care.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nichelle Gillyard
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lorena Casillas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 3
Control Number 31-AS-20250326124148
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
WOODLAND HILLS S.RO, 21731 VENTURA BLVD., STE. 250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
FACILITY NAME: CASA AMORE WEST
FACILITY NUMBER: 197609839
VISIT DATE: 04/02/2025
NARRATIVE
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Allegation: Facility exit door is not kept free of obstructions

It was alleged that facility exit door is not kept free of obstruction. Regarding this allegation it is reported that the facility had an additional lock on the front door that should have been removed. The mechanism was removed however, it was replaced with a latch that also posed a fire hazard. LPA spoke to Licensee and staff who admitted that there was a latch but stated that latch was removed. LPA observed that front door was free of latches and a sensor was in in place. During LPA tour of facility, a curtain rod was observed to be in the patio sliding door and being used as a makeshift security measure. LPA addressed this with Licensee and Licensee stated that the rod would be removed. Staff removed rod in LPA presence and LPA expressed the importance of keeping exit doors free of obstructions. Based on observations and interviews this allegation is deemed substantiated at this time.

Citation issued. Appeals rights discussed and provided. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report provided.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Nichelle Gillyard
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lorena Casillas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 3
Control Number 31-AS-20250326124148
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
WOODLAND HILLS S.RO, 21731 VENTURA BLVD., STE. 250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364

FACILITY NAME: CASA AMORE WEST
FACILITY NUMBER: 197609839
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/02/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
04/02/2025
Section Cited
CCR
87307(d)(6)
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Personal Accommodations and Services: The following space and safety provisions shall apply to all facilities: All outdoor and indoor passageways and stairways shall be kept free of obstruction. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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During LPA presence staff removed the curtain rod used for makeshift security and latch had been previously removed. Deficiency cleared during visit.
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Based on LPA observations and interviews, the licensee did not ensure that exit doors were free of obstruction. This poses a potential health and safety risk to the residents in care.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nichelle Gillyard
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lorena Casillas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 3