David Y. Ige | News release: Health Department orders illegal Pearl City nursing home closed, fines $271,600

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) to Helen Ferrer, Millicents Ferrer and TLC for the Elderly LLC, for illegally operating an unlicensed nursing home located at 1863 Hookupa Street, Pearl City.

Helen Ferrer, Millicents Ferrer and TLC for the Elderly LLC are ordered to cease and desist operations, move all residents to a licensed nursing home or extended care home for the elderly within one week, and pay an administrative penalty totaling $135,800. In addition, Millicents Ferrer, who is Helen Ferrer’s daughter and tenant/lessee of 1863 Hookupa St, aided and abetted with her mother in operating an unlicensed care home and was ordered to pay an administrative fine of total value $135,800.

“Licensing and oversight of nursing homes is critical to ensuring that Hawaii residents receive safe, appropriate care services from trained staff,” said Keith Ridley, chief of DOH’s Office of Health Care Assurance. “We will take all necessary steps to protect Hawaii residents and hold illegal home operators accountable.”

After receiving reports that owners were running an unlicensed care home, DOH inspectors attempted to inspect the residence but were denied access. DOH subsequently obtained a search warrant, which was carried out in coordination with the General Prosecutor’s Office on July 15.

The search warrant investigation and earlier evidence gathered from subpoenas and interviews revealed evidence that Helen Ferrer, both individually and/or as the sole managing member of TLC for the Elderly LLC, and/or Millicents Ferrer, operated illegally unlicensed care home. Evidence includes observation of health care equipment and supplies in the home, interviews with caregivers and clients, and other documentation.

A residential care home for the elderly is defined as any facility that provides 24-hour accommodation for a fee to adults who are not related to the family that operates it and requires at least minimal assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, protection and health services care but does not require professional health care services provided in an intermediate, skilled nursing facility or urgent care facility.

Click here to read the full NOVO.

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