Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff pushed resident. It is alleged that on on 7/11/2022, staff (S1) forcibly push resident (R1) down on a bench. Based on interviews conducted, resident (R1) was meeting with an outside agency staff and became highly agitated. The resident ran to the back door leading outside, and when staff (S1) asked the resident where they were going, the resident spit on S1's face and punched them in the arm/chest area. On that day, there were gardeners in the property that had tools everywhere because they were working on the sprinklers. Staff blocked the rear of the facility, but resident (R1) starting throwing wood chips on the floor. According to staff (S1) and staff witnesses, the resident was redirected verbally and guided back to the outdoor bench. Per staff interviews, the resident was only redirected verbally via Response Interruption and Redirection (RIRD) behavioral intervention technique. No Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) was used. LPA attempted to interview resident (R1), but they declined to be interviewed. Per record review, R1 has significant physical aggression and verbal aggression behavioral incidents per week. All staff interviewed denied the allegation. The findings indicate that staff were verbally redirecting R1 as the resident ran away from staff, and during the approximately 30 minute behavior incident. There in insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation.

Allegation: Staff spoke to resident in an inappropriate manner. It is alleged that staff (S1) spoke to resident (R1) in a challenging manner during the 7/11/2022 behavior incident. According to interviews conducted, staff (S1) was the lead staff and two (2) additional staff (S4) was shadowing and staff (S5) was there as well ready to assist if needed. Staff (S1) stated they spoke to resident (R1) in a firm manner and reminded R1 not to act or communicate in an aggressive manner. The resident was told they needed to calm down. Per staff interviews, resident (R1) went back into the facility and asked for a pen and paper, which was given to the resident. The resident stomped on the ground, hit their head on the wall, and ran to staff (S8's) bag and tried to get things from it. Staff (S1) addressed R1 in a firm voice while the resident was attacking staff (S1). Staff interviews revealed that staff (S1) spoke to resident in an appropriate manner and followed facility intervention protocols. In addition, the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center conducted an investigation that rendered inconclusive findings. All staff denied the allegation. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation.

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are Unsubstantiated. No Deficiencies cited under California Code of Regulations Title 22.

Exit interview was conducted with Administrator Mellad Falatoonzadeh. A copy of the report was provided.