Complaint Investigation Report

On 04/24/2024, a nurse from another Department arrived to the facility and observed an alcoholic beverage sitting on top of a table. It was alleged a staff member was drinking the beverage in the facility during lunch time.

On 05/02/2024, 4 staff members were interviewed. Based on interview, on 04/26/2024 staff (S1) had quickly grabbed the beverage from his/her home refrigerator without knowing it contained alcohol. The beverage was purchased by his/her family member. S1 did not read the can prior to consumption and thought the beverage was only sparkling water with pineapple. Around 1:00pm, S1 took his/her lunch in the facility and drank the beverage. S1 thought the beverage tasted bad, dumped the remainder of the liquid down the sink, and left the can on top of a table in the facility. Around 1:00pm, the nurse from another Department arrived to the facility for a visit. After S1's lunch, he/she placed the can inside his/her lunch bag. S1 ended work around 2:30pm - 2:45pm and denied any altered mental status after the consumption of the beverage.

After staff (S2) was informed of the incident, S1 was called into the office. S2 states S1 was observed to look normal during their meeting. S1 was suspended from work the same day, following further investigation. Based on the facility's investigation, S2 stated the incident did happened, however, believes it was unintentional and an accident as S1 did not know the drink contained alcohol. S1 returned to work on 05/01/2024. Following the incident, the facility plans to provide training to staff regarding the company's policies regarding drugs and alcohol use during working hours.

S3 states this was the first time this has happened and denied the observation of S1 drinking alcohol in the facility on other days. Based on interviews, the residents were not impacted from this incident and observed to be well.

The Department has investigated the above allegation. Based on interview, record review, and observation the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore, the above allegation is substantiated. No deficiencies were cited per California Code of Regulations , Title 22. Advisory note provided. This report was reviewed with Administrator, Joseph Lansana and a copy of the report was provided.