(a) Each class “AA” and class “A” citation specified in subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 1424 that is issued, or a copy or copies thereof, shall be prominently posted for 120 days. The citation or copy shall be posted in a place or places in plain view of the patients or residents in the long-term health care facility, persons visiting those patients or residents, and persons who inquire about placement in the facility.

(1) The citation shall be posted in at least the following locations in the facility:

(A) An area accessible and visible to members of the public.

(B) An area used for employee breaks.

(C) An area used by residents for communal functions, such as dining, resident council meetings, or activities.

(2) The citation, along with a cover sheet, shall be posted on a white or light-colored sheet of paper, at least 81/2 by 11 inches in size, that includes all of the following information:

(A) The full name of the facility, in a clear and easily readable font in at least 28-point type.

(B) The full address of the facility, in a clear and easily readable font in at least 20-point type.

(C) Whether the citation is class “AA” or class “A.”

(3) The facility may post the plan of correction.

(4) The facility may post a statement disputing the citation or a statement showing the appeal status, or both.

(5) The facility may remove and discontinue the posting required by this section if the citation is withdrawn or dismissed by the department.

(b) Each class “B” citation specified in subdivision (e) of Section 1424 that is issued pursuant to this section and that has become final, or a copy or copies thereof, shall be retained by the licensee at the facility cited until the violation is corrected to the satisfaction of the department. Each citation shall be made promptly available by the licensee for inspection or examination by any member of the public who so requests. In addition, every licensee shall post in a place or places in plain view of the patient or resident in the long-term health care facility, persons visiting those patients or residents, and persons who inquire about placement in the facility, a prominent notice informing those persons that copies of all final uncorrected citations issued by the department to the facility will be made promptly available by the licensee for inspection by any person who so requests.

(c) A violation of this section shall constitute a class “B” violation, and shall be subject to a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000), as provided in subdivision (e) of Section 1424. Notwithstanding Section 1290, a violation of this section shall not constitute a crime. Fines imposed pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the State Health Facilities Citation Penalties Account, created pursuant to Section 1417.2.

(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 729, Sec. 7. (AB 641) Effective January 1, 2012.)