Clearwater at South Bay consistently meets many of California’s licensing requirements, but the series of inspections from 2021 to 2022 reveals a few recurring compliance challenges. In the May 2021 case‑management visit, the licensing analyst gathered information about two resident falls, found no current deficiencies, and requested additional medical documentation to ensure ongoing risk assessment. This early focus on fall‑risk data demonstrates the agency’s emphasis on resident safety.

The August 2021 unannounced annual inspection—performed using the new CARE Inspection Tool—confirmed that the facility’s physical plant, staffing, and infection‑control protocols largely meet state standards. The analyst noted that water temperatures in the Memory Care building fell below the 105–120 °F range required by Title 22, and a corrective plan was issued with a deadline of 8 27 2021. No other major deficiencies were cited, underscoring a generally solid operational baseline.

In February 2022 a case‑management visit resulted in an immediate exclusion order for a staff member who violated Title 22 and the Health and Safety Code. The administrator was informed of the order and the staff member’s right to petition for reinstatement after one year. The visit also included a review of the facility’s food supply and physical plant, with no additional concerns noted beyond the staffing issue.

The September 2022 complaint visit highlighted long‑standing HVAC problems: a main air‑conditioning system had been non‑operational for over two months, prompting the use of portable units and ongoing procurement of replacement units. The executive director, newly appointed three weeks earlier, documented the rapid acquisition of 20 portable units and plans to acquire an additional 30, demonstrating responsive remediation. Although the temporary solution improved resident comfort, the continued reliance on portable units points to an infrastructure gap that may affect compliance in future inspections.

Overall, Clearwater at South Bay shows a pattern of robust infection control and facility maintenance, yet recurring deficiencies—particularly water‑temperature regulation in memory‑care areas and HVAC reliability—suggest areas for focused improvement. The issuance of an immediate exclusion order for staff underscores the importance of ongoing staff oversight and training. Continued monitoring will be essential to ensure that corrective actions are fully implemented and that resident safety remains uncompromised.