California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a $15 million settlement with Sweetwater Care Resource, LLC and its affiliates after an investigation found the skilled nursing facility chain repeatedly violated the state’s minimum staffing requirements. The settlement includes $12.5 million in penalties and costs, along with $2.5 million dedicated to improving staffing levels and funding an independent compliance monitor. Under the agreement, all 17 Sweetwater skilled nursing facilities will operate under independent oversight for the next three years.
Investigation Found Thousands of Staffing Violations
According to the California Attorney General’s Office, investigators with the Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse found that Sweetwater facilities fell below California’s required minimum staffing levels more than 14,126 times between 2021 and 2024. State law requires skilled nursing facilities to provide at least 3.5 direct care hours per resident each day, including a minimum of 2.4 hours from certified nurse assistants. Officials allege the facilities accepted tens of millions of dollars in Medi-Cal funding during the period while failing to meet those staffing requirements.
Settlement Strengthens Oversight of Skilled Nursing Facilities
Attorney General Bonta said the settlement reinforces California’s commitment to protecting vulnerable nursing home residents and ensuring facilities comply with state staffing laws. The investigation was conducted by the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, which investigates fraud involving the Medi-Cal program and allegations of elder abuse. Californians who suspect Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse can report concerns to the Attorney General’s office through its official reporting system.
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