Complaint Investigation Report

It is alleged that staff serve junk food to clients and serve small portions of food. On 06-30-2022, LPA conducted a physical plant tour and observed the refrigerator, freezer, and cabinets to obtain fruits (bananas, apples, peaches, plums, yogurt, and mixed fruit); vegetables (salad, peas, corn, beats); meats (chicken, burgers, burritos, etc.) and starches (macaroni and cheese, waffles, pancakes, pudding, cinnamon rolls). LPA observed the menu to have a balanced diet of fruit, vegetable, protein, and a starch for the majority of the meals. Staff indicated every Friday the clients will choose which restaurant to eat out at. Interviews with staff indicated they offer alternative meals if clients do not want to eat what is on the menu. It was indicated by staff that C1 will choose to make noodles and not eat what is offered for a meal. Staff also indicated due to health concerns, some clients require portion control, and healthier alternative meals. Staff indicated clients have their rights, and staff can only provide the healthier options and cannot force clients to eat those options. Interviews with three (3) out of four (4) clients indicated staff provide a variety of meals, and indicated they receive enough food, and are able to ask for more food if they want it. Observations, interviews, and document review indicate clients are provided the option of a balanced diet, therefore the allegation, “Staff do not provide proper food service to clients in care,” is deemed unsubstantiated.

It is alleged that upon admission of C1, staff changed C1’s psychiatrist without consent from C1’s authorized representative resulting in C1 being prescribed medication that made C1 drowsy. Interviews with two (2) out of four (4) clients indicate staff would manage a change in physician if needed. Interviews with staff indicated staff have not changed the physician for any client in the home. It was indicated by staff that C1’s original psychiatrist left the clinic and C1 was given a new psychiatrist under the same clinic. LPA reviewed C1’s file and found all doctors remained the same since admission. Therefore, due to lack of supportive information the allegation, “Staff changed client's primary physician without consent of client's authorized representative,” is deemed unsubstantiated.