High Desert Assisted Living LLC

Based on documentation review, observation, record review, and interview, a person established, conducted, and maintained a health care institution without a current and valid license issued by the Department. The deficient practice posed a risk as the unlicensed operation or maintenance of a health care institution is prohibited and is declared a nuisance inimical to the public health and safety, per Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) \'a7 36-430. Findings include: 1. A.R.S. \'a7 36-407(C) states, "The licensee may not transfer or assign the license. A license is valid only for the premises occupied by the institution at the time of its issuance." 2. A review of Department documentation revealed an email from O1 dated May 31, 2022. In the email, O1 stated: "I hope you were informed that as of 05/01/2022 I no longer own or manage any facilities any longer. I sold them all....I am sure the new owner has been in contact with you all." The review revealed another email from O1 dated February 3, 2023, in response to a reminder regarding the annual licensing fees being overdue. In the email, O1 stated: "I emailed AZDHS regarding this as well. I am aware. But I sold the company in 2022. The new owner [O2] has a license application in. I have been assisting [O2]." The review revealed a third email from O1 dated April 25, 2023. In the email, O1 stated: "I also would like to revoke my licenses effective June 1st 2023. Located at 1220 tapadero drive Dewey AZ 86327." The review revealed the facility was closed effective July 1, 2023. Further review of Department documentation revealed two applications for licensure for the same address, but under the name of High Desert Assisted Living LLC owned by E1. The first application was dated June 5, 2023, and the second application was dated September 6, 2023. The review revealed High Desert Assisted Living LLC was not licensed. 3. During an environmentl inspection of the home conducted on September 14, 2023, the Compliance Officer observed ten residents, one caregiver, and the manager. 4. A review of facility medical records revealed medication administration records and documentation of assisted living services provided to ten residents. 5. In an interview, E1 reported O1 sold the business to O2 who then sold it to E1. E1 reported the license never officially transferred from O1 to O2. E1 reported O1 did not continue to operate the health care institution as O1 should have while E1 was applying for licensure. E1 reported the home had ten residents at the time of the inspection on September 14, 2023. 6. A review of facility documentation revealed a document titled "BILL OF SALE" dated June 1, 2023. The document stated: "I [O2] have sold Angels on Duty Assisted Living LLC to [E1]...on June 1, 2023." The document was signed by O2. 7. During the initial licensing inspection on February 26, 2024, the Compliance Officer observed at least four residents on the premises. 8. In an interview, E1 reported there were seven re