Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff used inappropriate form of punishment with client

It was alleged that on 07/16/23, C1 could not go on a facility outing because of the way C1 treated staff earlier that day. To investigate this allegation, on 07/26/23 LPA Ruiz conducted an initial visit to this facility and interviewed S2, who confirmed that he/she along with other three (3) staff members witnessed how S1 inappropriately punished C1. However, when LPA Ruiz conducted an interview with the Designee, the District Manager and two (2) staff members, all parties interviewed denied the above allegation. Moreover, during today’s visit, LPAs conducted an additional interview with the Designee (current Administrator) and were informed that during C1’s aggressive behavior/episode, the staff is trained to deescalate the situation and if no changes observed then based on C1’s Residential Behavior Assessment and Support Plan, C1 cannot go on an outing that day due to a potential danger to the public. Lastly, interview with two (2) clients expressed no concerns regarding the above allegation. Based on interviews and C1’s facility file reviews this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

It was alleged that on 07/16/23, S1 slapped C1 on the back which made C1’s body move forward. To investigate this allegation, on 07/26/23 LPA Ruiz conducted an initial visit to this facility and interviewed S2, who confirmed that he/she along with other three (3) staff members witnessed how S1 hit C1. However, when LPA Ruiz conducted an interview with the Designee, the District Manager and two (2) staff members, all parties interviewed denied the above allegation. Moreover, during today's visit, LPAs conducted an interview with the Administrator and one (1) staff that was present during the “incident”. Both parties interviewed also denied the above allegation and informed LPAs that S1 was always very professional towards his/her job and would never hit clients. Additionally, interview with C1 revealed that S1 was really good to him/her and could not confirm that the above allegation occurred. Lastly, review of an incident report submitted to the Community Care Licensing (CCL) on 09/19/23 revealed that “upon getting hit from C1, S1 blocked C1’s hand from hitting S1 again and one hour later, C1 apologized to S1 for his/her inappropriate behavior.” Therefore, based on interviews and review of “Special Incident Report” this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.