The San Francisco Health Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address several key agenda items, beginning with a land acknowledgment presented by Secretary Dorado. The commission recognized that they are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone, honoring their role as the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula and affirming their sovereign rights.

Following this acknowledgment, the meeting transitioned to an update on the Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center. Baljit Sangha, representing Laguna Honda, provided a comprehensive overview of the facility's current status regarding its closure plan and recertification efforts. He highlighted the ongoing settlement agreement with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which allows for continued funding until November 13, 2023. Sangha noted that CMS had agreed to pause involuntary discharges and transfers until May 19, 2023, and the city has formally requested an extension of this pause to facilitate the recertification process without disrupting resident care.

Sangha reported on the progress made since the last CMS monitoring survey, indicating that significant improvements have been observed. The facility has undergone two monitoring surveys, with the second showing marked progress. He emphasized the importance of the action plan developed in response to the survey findings, which includes over 500 milestones aimed at achieving compliance and successful recertification.

Additionally, Sangha discussed the hiring process for key leadership positions at Laguna Honda, including a nursing home administrator and a director of nursing. He announced that a conditional offer had been extended to a candidate for the administrator role, while the search for the director of nursing continues.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Health Commission's commitment to improving care at Laguna Honda and ensuring the well-being of its residents. The commission will continue to monitor the situation closely, with hopes for a favorable response from CMS regarding the extension of the pause on involuntary transfers.