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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198018994
Report Date: 02/19/2025
Date Signed: 02/19/2025 10:56:06 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
09/23/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Veronica Martinez-Garza
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20240923123012
FACILITY NAME:JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
198018994
ADMINISTRATOR:MASJEDI, MICHELEFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:6438 YORK BLVD.TELEPHONE:
(323) 551-5922
CITY:LOS ANGELESSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90042
CAPACITY:34CENSUS: 8DATE:
02/19/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:30 AM
MET WITH:Michele MasjediTIME COMPLETED:
11:15 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff did not follow safe sleep protocols. Crib sheet was placed over rail and later used to cover another infant
Staff did not provide adequate supervision of sleeping infants
Staff did not follow diaper changing protocols outlined in the facility handbook
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 02/19/25 at 08:30 a.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Veronica Martinez Garza conducted an unannounced complaint investigation to deliver findings to the above allegations. LPA met with Owner/Director, Michele Masjedi who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. There was a total of 08 children present with 04 staff.

During the course of the investigation, LPA Martinez-Garza interviewed Staff 1 (S1 thru 6) and Parent 1 (P1 thru 2). LPA Ayala also reviewed video footage dated 09/20/24 and obtained a copy of the children’s roster.

According to the Reporting Party (RP), “Staff did not follow safe sleep protocols,” “Staff did not provide adequate supervision of sleeping infants,” and “Staff did not follow diaper changing protocols outlined in the facility handbook.”

Page 1 of 4
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
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 12
Control Number 33-CC-20240923123012
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018994
VISIT DATE: 02/19/2025
NARRATIVE
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Allegation regarding- Staff did not follow safe sleep protocols. According to the RP, it was observed, through video footage, that S2 placed a crib sheet on the crib rail of C1 which completely obscured the staff's ability to see the child. Per RP, video footage showed C1 woke up and began moving their body near the dangling crib sheet while laying down which prevented S2 from having visual supervision. RP revealed that staff stated that their practice is to place a crib sheet on the crib rail to prevent the light from interfering with the infant’s nap since opening and closing the door of the nap room woke C1. It was also observed that S2 placed another infant on a boppy pillow inside of the crib. During LPA Martinez Garza’s inspection on 09/30/24, LPA observed video footage dated 09/20/24 which corroborates with the RPs above allegation. LPA observed S2 placed a clean crib sheet on the crib rail where C1 was sleeping in. LPA also observed (1) napping infant that was swaddled and was placed on top of a boppy pillow inside a crib. Staff then covered the infant with a crib sheet, walked out and closed the door behind them. Also, during an observation of video footage conducted by LPA Ayala on 01/21/25 with the LAPD at 08:16am, it was observed that on 09/20/2024 S2 placed an infant in a sleeping sack and wrapped the infant in an additional blanket. S2 then took the infant into the nap room, placed the infant in a crib and exited the nap room before closing the door. Later, another infant fell asleep and was wrapped in a blanket by S2. S1 corroborates with the above allegation and stated that they were not aware that staff in the infant room were using crib sheets and placing them on the rails or that staff were swaddling infants. According to S1, it was upon parent’s request that they place crib sheets on the rails and swaddling infants since parents wanted to continue their home routine at the facility. Also, regarding boppy pillows being used while infants nap, S1 acknowledged that staff should not be using boppy pillows while infants nap in the cribs. It should be noted that during a subsequent visit dated 07/13/23, it was observed through video footage that S2 removed a crib sheet that was placed on top of an infant while napping inside a crib. The facility was given a technical violation for safe sleep as cribs shall be free from all loose articles and objects including blankets and pillows.

Allegation regarding- Staff did not provide adequate supervision of sleeping infants. According to the RP, it was observed, through video footage, that S2 closed the door of the infant room preventing staff from having visual supervision. RP also stated that S2 did not come back to check on the infants every 15 minutes. It was also observed that the staff were on their cell phones and not supervising the infants. Interview with S1 revealed and corroborated that they were not aware that staff were closing the door of the infant room during nap time; however, it was later confirmed through video footage and staff acknowledgment.

Page 2 of 4
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 12
Control Number 33-CC-20240923123012
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018994
VISIT DATE: 02/19/2025
NARRATIVE
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LPA observed video footage dated 09/20/24 which corroborated that staff closed the door of the infant room at 10:14am and came back into the room at approx. 10:35am. S2 was observed to quickly check on an infant and walked out closing the door. During a subsequent observation of video footage conducted by LPA Ayala, it was observed that on 09/20/2024 at 08:28am, S2 placed an infant in a sleep sack and left the infant unattended on a floor mat while awake. S2 did not return to the room until 08:37am. LPA Ayala also observed all staff members were consistently using their cell phones while infants were awake and while infants were in the nap room with the door closed. S2 was observed on multiple occasions to sit in the rocking chair while on the phone. S3 was observed to be near the infants while they were eating snacks; however, S3 was on the phone.

Allegation regarding- Staff did not follow diaper changing protocols outlined in the facility handbook. According to the RP, it was observed through video footage that staff conducting a diaper change were not wearing gloves or keeping a hand on C1 while on the changing table. RP also observed that staff did not wash their hands or C1s hands after the diaper change. Per RP, the facility handbook contains a section that outlined how children will be diapered, including a section on hygiene procedures, gloves, and hand washing for staff and children involved. RP stated that S1 told staff to do diaper changes quickly. Interviews with S1 revealed and corroborated that they were not aware that staff were not following diaper changing protocols; however, it was later confirmed through video footage and staff acknowledgment. According to S1, staff are expected to follow the diaper change protocol; however, staff misunderstood when they were told to do diaper changes in a quick manner. LPA observed through video footage and corroborated that staff did not follow the diaper changing protocol stated on the parent handbook. LPA also observed, on two separate occasions, that S2 and S3 did not place disposable paper towels or similar covering the changing table, did not wear gloves, did not wipe C1 as the infant had a urinated diaper, and did not wash their hands after the diaper change. Also, LPA did not observe both staff cleaning the diaper changing area after both diaper changes were done.

Based on interviews, records reviewed, and observation of video footage, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, the following deficiency are being cited (see attached 9099D).

The following deficiencies were cited in accordance with Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations and Health & Safety Codes. Please see 809D for documentation of deficiencies.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 12
Control Number 33-CC-20240923123012
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018994
VISIT DATE: 02/19/2025
NARRATIVE
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Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the director Michele Masjedi.

Type A citation.
LPA Veronica MartinezGarza informed director Michele Masjedi that this report dated 02/19/25 document(s) 2 Type A citation(s) which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.

Also, LPA Veronica MartinezGarza informed the director Michele Masjedi to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 02/19/25 that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.







Page 4 of 4
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 12
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
09/23/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Veronica Martinez-Garza
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20240923123012

FACILITY NAME:JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
198018994
ADMINISTRATOR:MASJEDI, MICHELEFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:6438 YORK BLVD.TELEPHONE:
(323) 551-5922
CITY:LOS ANGELESSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90042
CAPACITY:34CENSUS: 8DATE:
02/19/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:30 AM
MET WITH:Michele MasjediTIME COMPLETED:
11:15 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
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Infant sustained unexplained fracture while in care
Infant sustained unexplained scratches while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 02/19/25 at 08:30 a.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Veronica Martinez Garza conducted an unannounced complaint investigation to deliver findings to the above allegations. LPA met with Owner/Director, Michele Masjedi who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. There was a total of 08 children present with 04 staff.

According to the Reporting Party (RP), “Infant sustained unexplained fracture while in care” and “Infant sustained unexplained scratches while in care.”

The investigation was conducted in conjunction with the Department’s Investigation Bureau (IB) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The investigation consisted of interviews that were conducted with Staff 1 (S1 thru S7) and other relevant parties. Investigator Douglas Real also obtained medical records.

Page 1 of 3
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 12
Control Number 33-CC-20240923123012
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018994
VISIT DATE: 02/19/2025
NARRATIVE
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Allegation regarding- Infant sustained unexplained fracture while in care. According to the RP, on 09/20/2024, red marks and scratches were observed on C1s body. RP took C1 to the doctor on 09/21/2024 who recommended RP to take C1 to the hospital. C1 was taken to the hospital on 09/21/2024 and was diagnosed with healing rib fractures. The timeframe of the rib fractures was estimated to be four to six weeks old and no older than eight weeks. Investigator Real conducted interviews with RP who denied being aware of any accidents or incidents that may have led to C1s diagnosed fractures. Interviews were conducted with S1 thru 7 who made no disclosures as to where C1s injuries occurred. Staff interviewed all denied having knowledge of child’s injuries and stated that they did not witness or were aware that C1 having any falls or accidents leading to any of the fractures. Medical staff was interviewed and advised that the severity of the rib fractures could not be determined, adding that the injury to C1s ribs occurred prior to the date C1 was taken to seek medical attention.

Allegation regarding- Infant sustained unexplained scratches while in care. According to the RP, upon pick up of C1 on 09/20/24, a small bruise on the bridge of the nose was observed. Per RP, on the same day while bathing C1 they noticed red marks and scratches on their body. RP also disclosed that C1 and their older sibling were playing prior to discovering the red marks and scratches; however, it is unknown if the marks or scratches were caused while playing. Investigator Real conducted interviews with S1 thru S7 who made no disclosures. Interviews revealed that staff denied the allegation and deny observing any marks or scratches on C1. LPA conducted a file review of C1 and did not observe any incident or ouch reports for the entire time C1 attended the facility.

Officer Gabriela Sanchez with Los Angeles Police Department investigated the above allegations; however, the police report is not available. Medical records determined that based on the available information, there is no reported history of trauma to explain any of C1s injuries or provide an estimated time frame of when the bruises occurred.





Page 2 of 3
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 12
Control Number 33-CC-20240923123012
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018994
VISIT DATE: 02/19/2025
NARRATIVE
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Based on interviews and medical records, this agency has investigated the complaint alleging “Infant sustained unexplained fracture while in care” and “Infant sustained unexplained scratches while in care.” We have found that the complaint was deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with director Michele Masjedi.







Page 3 of 3
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 12
Control Number 33-CC-20240923123012
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018994
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 02/19/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
02/24/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101439.1(f)
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Infant Care Center Sleeping Equipment
(f) Cribs shall be free from all loose articles and objects, including blankets and pillows.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Per director, staff are no longer additional items like crib sheets. Staff were written up and received training on safe sleep regultations. LPA received documentation on 09/30/24 of staff write ups and proof of training.
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LPA observed through video footage dated 09/20/24 and S1 acknowledgment that staff were observed to place a crib sheet on the side of the crib rail of a napping infant. LPA also observed staff swaddled an infant, placed the infant on a boppy pillow, and covered the infant with a crib sheet.
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Request Denied
Type A
02/21/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101429(a)(1)
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**This is an amended LIC 809D page to reflect the removal of an observation made by LPA Ayala**
Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision for Infants (a) In addition to Section 101229, the following shall apply:
(1) Each infant shall be constantly supervised and under direct visual observation and supervision by a staff person at all times.
This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Per director, staff are not closing the door and staff will now use tablets instead of their phones. Director will ensure that 1 staff is actively supervising children and the other staff will enter information on the procare app. DIrector will submit a written declaration to LPA by POC due date.
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LPA Martinez and Ayala observed through video footage dated 09/20/24 that staff closed the nap room door and did not return to check on the infants.
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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: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 8 of 12
Control Number 33-CC-20240923123012
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: JOURNEY BEGINS, INC, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018994
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 02/19/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
02/26/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101428(7)(a)
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Infant Care Personal Services
(7) The changing table and changing pads shall be disinfected after each use even when disposal covers are used. (A) Infant changing tables may be covered with disposable paper towels or a similar covering that shall be discarded after each diaper change.
This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Per director, staff were written up and received training on the diaper change protocols. LPA received documentation on 09/30/24 of staff write ups and proof of training.
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LPA observed through video footage dated 09/20/24 and S1 acknowledgment that staff were not following protocols for diaper changes which is also on the parent handbook.
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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: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 9 of 12