Complaint Investigation Report

LPA attempted to interview C1, but C1 no longer resides in the facility or in the county. LPA reviewed a Special Incident Report dated June 24, 2024, which describes the incident involving C1 drinking alcohol at the party. LPA interviewed AD who stated that on June 22, 2024, facility staff took C1 to the personal party of an off-duty staff member, C1 requested alcohol, C1 was advised by staff that it was against doctor’s orders based on C1’s medications, C1 was persistent in requesting the alcohol and stated it was their right to choose to drink alcohol against doctor’s orders, AD called C1’s Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center Service Coordinator and a Disability Rights California Clients’ Rights Advocate who advised that it is C1’s right to choose to drink alcohol as long as C1 is advised it is against doctor’s orders, C1 drank a portion of a low-alcohol wine cooler, AD notified C1’s doctor who advised no medical care was necessary and to observe C1 for any complications, and C1 had no complications or issues from the alcohol ingested. LPA interviewed the four staff who were present at the party, one of whom was off-duty at the time, and these staff corroborated the information provided by AD and further stated that C1 received the low-alcohol wine cooler from an attendee at the party, not a facility staff member, and that C1 only drank a small portion and did not become intoxicated. LPA interviewed another client who attended the party who did not corroborate the allegation. While C1 drank alcohol against doctor’s orders, C1 did not receive the alcohol from facility staff, C1 did not become intoxicated and did not have any serious complications, and the facility notified C1’s doctor immediately.

Regarding the allegation that staff coerced resident: it was alleged that on June 22, 2024, facility staff took C1 to the personal party of an off-duty staff member where C1 drank alcohol against doctor’s orders, afterwards facility staff told C1 not to tell anyone about the alcohol, and facility staff told C1 they will not bring C1 homemade food if they do not behave. LPA attempted to interview C1, but C1 no longer resides in the facility or in the county. LPA interviewed AD who could not provide information about this allegation. LPA interviewed three staff regarding this allegation and did not obtain corroborating information, with the staff in question denying the allegation. LPA interviewed two clients who did not corroborate the allegation. LPA did not obtain information corroborating the allegation.

Based on the information gathered during the investigation and review of all documents obtained, the Department is unable to ascertain if the above allegations occurred as reported. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove or refute the alleged violations occurred; therefore, these allegations are deemed Unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was discussed with and provided to facility representative.