Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff did not ensure the facility has running water for the clients. It is alleged that there was no running water at the facility.

The investigation revealed that beginning July 11, 2024 at around 12 noon up until 7:30pm. Two toilets were back up at facility. Facility was not able to reach a Plummer and contacted a handyman W2. W2 stated W2 arrived at facility at around 4:00-4:30pm and was able to unclog one toilet but does not recall exact time and stated it may have been 6:00-6:30pm. LPA interviewed four(4) staff and all four (4) staff stated that there was always running water. The issue was that the two toilets were backed up. W2 reported that he returned to facility the next morning at around 7:30-8:00 am and installed a clean out which W2 used to unclog the other toilet. There is no evidence that the facility lacked running water at anytime.

Allegation: Staff did not ensure the facility had toileting and shower facilities for clients . It is alleged that client's had to use the back yard to urinate and that staff was instructed to "hose" clients down if they wanted a shower.

The investigation revealed: LPA interviewed four (4) staff, two (2) witnesses (W2), and three (3) clients. Four (4) of four (4) staff denied the allegations. Two (2) of three (3) clients stated that they have used the back yard to pee. Two (2) of three (3) clients could not collaborate the allegation regarding being hosed down. C4 stated C4 uses the hose in the back sometimes to wash C4. LPA did not observe a hose in the back yard. Administrator stated there has never been a hose in the back yard. Administrator stated that all clients were offered a trip to McDonalds or public place to use bathroom in the hours between 2:45PM and when the one toilet was fixed (approximately 6:00- 7:30pm, but all clients refused stating they did not need to use the bathroom. According to W1 Regional center QA, toilet was operating until 2:45 but issues remained. Administrator stated that the kitchen was available for clients to wash their hands and some clients collaborated that. W1 stated he was not aware of clients being hosed down. C1 has history of fabricating things according to file review. LPA followed one client to where client stated he urinated and LPA did not observe any evidence of urine or odor of urine at the location. There is not enough evidence to substantiate this allegation.

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur. Therefore the allegations are Unsubstantiated.

No deficiencies were observed or cited during today's visit.

An exit interview was conducted with Administrator, and copy of this report was provided.