The motion, designed to improve oversight of the health and well-being of the county's senior population, directs the county's chief executive officer to prepare a five-signature letter to the Governor, the California Legislature, and the Director of the State Department of Public Health to support a facility rating guide for skilled nursing facilities and convalescent homes.

"In an industry where tens of thousands of our elderly live, it is imperative that these facilities are graded," said Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who introduced the motion. 

"This will ensure that families and the public are kept informed of the conditions and standard of care provided at convalescent homes and nursing facilities," he said. 

A facility rating guide for these facilities would function much like the county's restaurant grading system Antonovich initiated in 1997. County health inspectors grade restaurants on compliance with health regulations, and restaurants are required to prominently display their grades.