Complaint Investigation Report

It was alleged that medication was accessible to the clients due to the unlocked storage area. Based on virtual visit conducted via FaceTime due to COVID-19, the medicine cabinet was locked. LPA observed the Administrator trying to open the cabinet but was unable to do so. House Manager handed the Administrator a key to open the cabinet. Interviews with clients and outside sources indicate that they do not have access to the medication cabinet and that staff supervises when medication is being given. Therefore, this allegation has been deemed unsubstantiated because the preponderance of the evidence standard has not been met.

It was alleged that the facility staff smoked marijuana and drank alcohol in the presence of clients. According to outside source, they had previous complaints and conducted unannounced visits prior to the pandemic. They did not observe substance or alcohol use while in the presence of the clients. Interviews with clients indicate that they did not observe staff smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol in their presence. This allegation is deemed unsubstantiated because the preponderance of the evidence standard has not been met.

It was alleged that staff yelled at clients, violating their personal rights to dignity and respect. Interviews with clients, staff, and outside sources indicate that they have not witnessed staff yelling at clients. Therefore, this allegation has been deemed unsubstantiated because the preponderance of the evidence standard has not been met.

It was alleged that the facility’s physical plant was unsanitary due to house manager’s dog and cat defecating in the clients’ living area. During a tour of the facility, which was conducted via FaceTime due to COVID-19, LPA did not observe animal feces in the clients’ living area, including clients’ living room and bedrooms. According to interviews, there were isolated incidents, but staff immediately cleaned the areas from pet waste. Interviews with outside sources indicate that there were no observations of pet waste that were left uncleaned in the clients’ living areas. Therefore, this allegation has been deemed unsubstantiated because the preponderance of the evidence standard has not been met. (continued)