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Class "AA" violations are violations that meet the criteria for a class "A" violation and that the state department determines to have a direct proximate cause of death of patient or resident of a long-term health care facility. A class "AA" citation is subject to a civil penalty.

Class "A" violations are violations which the state department determines present either 
(1) imminent danger that death or serious harm to the patient or resident of a long-term health care facility would result therefrom,
(2) substantial probability that death or serious physical harm to patient or resident of a long-term health care facility would result therefrom.
A physical condition or one or more practices, means, methods, or operations in use in a long-term health care facility may constitute a class "A" violation. The condition or practice constituting a class "A" violation shall be abated or eliminated immediately, unless a fixed period of time, as determined by the state department, is required for correction. A class "A" citation is subject to a civil penalty.

Class "B" violations are violations that the state department determines have a direct or immediate relationship to the health, safety, or security of long-term health care facility patients or residents, other than a "AA" or "A" violations. Unless otherwise determined by the state department to be class "a", any violation of a patient's rights as set forth in the California Administrative Code, that is determined by the state department to cause or under circumstances likely to cause significant humiliation, indignity, anxiety, or other emotional trauma to the patient is a class "B" violation. A class "B" citation is subject to a civil penalty.

Willful Material Omission (WMO) is the willful failure to record any untoward event which has affected the health, safety or security of a patient or resident and which was omitted with the knowledge that the records were false. A WMO can be issued with a penalty assessment.

Willful Material Falsification (WMF) is the willful entry in the health record pertaining to the administration of medications, treatments ordered, services for the prevention of decubitus ulcers, vital signs, or intake and output of fluids, which was made with knowledge that the record is false. WMF violations are subject to a civil penalty.

Retaliation/Discrimination: The law prohibits a licensee from retaliating or discriminating against a patient or resident or employee as the result of a grievance, complaint or as a result or cooperation in an investigation. The law provides for a civil penalty for a violation.

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