Laguna Honda recertification advances; plans of correction submitted, admissions to resume only after state validation

The Health Commission’s Joint Conference Committee reported progress this month toward Laguna Honda Hospital’s Medicare recertification but said formal approvals remain pending.

Commissioner Chao told the Commission that Laguna Honda received a CMS health‑monitoring survey on Jan. 2 and a fire/life‑safety survey on Jan. 3 that showed improvement from prior monitoring. A plan of correction for fire safety was submitted on Jan. 14 and the plan of correction for the health‑monitoring survey was scheduled for submission on Jan. 17.

"CDPH must first approve the plan of correction proposed by Laguna," Commissioner Chao said, and CDPH must then validate successful completion before CMS makes its recertification determination. She said Laguna Honda will resume admissions only when leaders are confident the improvements are sustained and that the hospital will likely restart admissions slowly.

Members of the public asked when the final plan and a sustainability/transition plan would be posted for public review and how Laguna Honda would notify displaced residents who remain eligible to return. DPH staff acknowledged the public interest and said the hospital and department will provide ongoing reports to the JCC and full commission after recertification steps proceed.

Why it matters: Laguna Honda is a large skilled‑nursing facility that plays a key role in the city’s long‑term care capacity. Recertification determines whether the facility can participate in Medicare and affects admissions and funding.

Next steps: DPH will share plans and progress at future JCC and full Commission meetings; the public will continue to receive updates as CDPH and CMS complete their review and validation processes.