Complaint Investigation Report, 09/11/2024 — Brighter Outlook I, Rancho Dominguez CA

The details of the complaint alleged that the day program has been short staffed for the last few weeks and each staff is being assigned anywhere from five to seven clients each day, which is over the required staff to client ratio. On 09/11/24, from 9:26am-2:00pm, LPA interviewed staff (S1-S6) and clients (C1-C3) regarding the allegation. 6 of 6 staff (S1-S6) corroborated the allegation that the Licensee does not maintain staffing ratios as required. 6 of 6 staff (S1-S6) interviewed stated that there has been a lot of attendance problems in the facility with some staff out of the country, some on leave, and other staff that have quit. S1 stated that when they are short staffed, they try and pull staff from Brighter Outlook II if they have less clients on any given day to help with the staffing issue. LPA reviewed the Level One Distribution Sheet with Staff-Client Ratio (Dated: 07/02/2024-09/11/2024) and found that on average the staff-client ratio was one staff to six clients on any given day; while the plan of operations specifies that Brighter Outlook is a Regional Center funded program and the staff-client ratio is supposed to be one staff to three clients. LPA observed on 9/11/24 that the census for the clients was 55 and staff 11. The ratio of staff-client was 1:5.

LPA interviewed clients C1-C3 about the allegation and 2 of 3 clients that were interviewed corroborated the allegation that Licensee does not maintain staffing ratios as required. Clients stated that they feel the day program needs more staff to meet the needs of all the clients enrolled in the program.

Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the above allegation: Licensee does not maintain staffing ratios as required, is found to be Substantiated . California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division (6) and chapter (3) are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

Note: *Citations not cleared by the due date will have a $100 fine assessed for each citation until it is cleared. Civil penalties will continue to accrue until Proof of Corrections (POC) is cleared.

Deficiencies are issued and plans of corrections were discussed.

An exit interview was conducted with Wendy De Leon, Administrator, and a copy of this report and appeal rights were provided.