Complaint Investigation Report

The investigation revealed the following: Regarding allegations: Client’s clothing is inaccessible to the client and Client’s admission agreement is not being adhere to. It is alleged C1 has a tendency to destroy or remove clothes. Therefore, cabinets have been placed facing the wall making them inaccessible to the client and it is alleged the facility is not following the HCBS final ruling for accessibility to personal items. Interviews with staff revealed that C2 began to put dirty diapers inside the clean clothes drawers some months ago and throwing the clothes in the floor some weeks ago. Staff in order to prevent client placing dirty items inside the drawers decided to turn the dresser to face the wall. Administrator stated facility staff is adjusting to the new HCBS final ruling and will provide training to staff regarding HCBS final ruling in the following month. After the Regional Center’s visit, administrator contacted the service coordinator for guidance. Service Coordinator will hold a meeting on August 14th and will discuss then how to best assist with the behaviors. Interviews with clients revealed the clients have access and choice to what they will wear each day and have no concerns regarding accessing their personal belongings. Staff were able to identify personal rights regarding clients choosing what to wear and other personal rights. During facility’s tour, LPA observed C1 and C2’s share bedroom; clients’ clothes were observed hanging in the closet as well as their clothes placed in the drawers of each client’s dressers, which are now accessible to the clients.

Documents reviewed revealed staff have noted that C2 had begun to place worn underwear in clean clothes drawers for the first time on 3/16/24. On 4/20/24, staff noted C2 place a dirty adult brief either inside the closet, cabinet and was mixing it with the clean clothes. IPP does not note or address the behavior seen by staff noticed by C2. LPA did not observed modifications done to the IPP regarding the current behavior(s). Although, staff allow the clients to choose what they will wear each day as they are assisting with activities of daily living. Clients should have access to all their personal belongings at all times. Therefore, the allegation is substantiated.

Based on LPAs observations and interviews which were conducted record review(s), the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation(s) is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6 and Chapter 1 are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

Exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report, LIC 9099D, and appeal rights were provided.