Health Commission hears Laguna Honda CMS recertification update as public demands transparency

The San Francisco Health Commission on Dec. 20 heard an update on Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center’s settlement and monitoring with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), while dozens of callers urged the commission to protect the facility and demanded public access to survey findings.

Acting Laguna Honda leadership told the commission the City and County signed a settlement and systems improvement agreement with CMS and CDPH. Under that agreement, the presenter said the City would continue to receive payments for care at Laguna Honda through Nov. 13, 2023, and that the settlement includes a pause on involuntary discharges and transfers through Feb. 2, 2023, with CMS retaining authority to extend that pause depending on Laguna Honda’s progress in meeting requirements.

Laguna Honda staff described the first unannounced monitoring survey under the agreement as beginning Nov. 28 and concluding Dec. 16 with more than 20 surveyors onsite. Officials said they have not yet received the official statement of deficiencies (Form 2567) but are preparing an action plan and a root‑cause analysis that must be submitted to CMS and CDPH on or before Jan. 6, 2023; if a 2567 is issued, the facility has 10 days to submit a plan of correction.

Public speakers during this agenda item pressed for immediate public release of the root‑cause analysis and any survey findings. Callers repeatedly raised past transfers and alleged harms, including a complaint that nine residents who were transferred earlier died and that no public analysis had been provided to explain those outcomes. One caller urged the commission to “keep Laguna Honda open” and to stop forced discharges and bed cuts; another called the scheduled closed session on Laguna Honda inappropriate and asked that the action plan and consultant reports be released to the public.

Commissioners acknowledged the intensity of public concern and repeatedly praised Laguna Honda staff for sustained efforts during a difficult period. Commissioners asked staff to clarify the timing for receiving and responding to formal survey documents and the presenter outlined the typical federal/state timeline: surveyors provide a deficiencies statement (Form 2567), the facility then has 10 days to submit a written plan of correction, and surveyors may provide verbal exit‑interview information before the written form arrives.

Following the public comment period the commission voted to move into a closed session to consider matters listed on the agenda related to Laguna Honda. The commission also voted to assert attorney‑client privilege for pending litigation and later voted not to disclose discussions that occur in closed session. Those votes were recorded by roll call.

What happens next: staff said the action plan and the root‑cause analysis are due to CMS and CDPH on or before Jan. 6, 2023; the commission’s next full meeting is Jan. 3, 2023. Members of the public requested that the commission publicly post the root‑cause analysis and any Form 2567 and plan‑of‑correction documents as soon as they are available.