Inspections are conducted to determine compliance with applicable Federal, State, and County laws, codes, regulations, standards and guidelines. Health care facilities require dietary and/or environmental health inspections. Multi-building facilities may have more than one licensed area and several food establishments.
Prior to visiting a facility, a sanitarian will review the history of the facility in County files. The last inspection report, any current complaints, equipment approvals and similar records are reviewed so that appropriate follow-up can be accomplished during the inspection.
- The inspecting sanitarian notifies the facility administration when they arrive at the facility.
- A representative of the facility must accompany the inspector during the inspection.
- The violations observed during the inspection are discussed with the appropriate administrative staff during an exit interview.
- An inspection report is either composed at the facility or in the office.
- The facility and their licensing agency receive a copy of the inspection report.
- Facilities are required to submit a written plan of correction that must be approved by the inspecting sanitarian.
- If the plan is not acceptable, additional action may be required such as a re-inspection.
Health care facilities receive at least one comprehensive environmental health inspection during each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
The number of dietary inspections that are required for food establishments located in health care facilities is determined by the County food regulations as follows:
Food establishments with high priority food permits are required to be inspected three times a year.
Food establishments with moderate priority food permits are inspected twice a year.
Establishments that only handle packaged non-potentially hazardous food or have vending machines are visited once every two years.
Sanitarians are trained to perform standardized health care facility inspections to determine compliance with applicable Federal, State, and County laws, codes, regulations, guidelines and standards. The use of a computer program in the inspection process enables sanitarians to compose effective, consistent legal reports that are easy to read and understand.
Inspection reports include statements that are descriptions of the violations and inspector’s comments. The violations are based on compliance or noncompliance with applicable laws, codes, regulations, and guidelines. The sanitarians' comments may be observations of existing conditions, recommendations for corrective actions, or information that could prevent future violations. Final comments mentioned in reports are non-regulatory observations and information that may be helpful to the inspected facility.
Revised October 16, 2007
Courthouse 