Complaint Investigation Report

During the initial 10-day inspection on 10/29/2021, LPA Lopez and Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS) Liz Aced-Arnett conducted a physical plant tour of the facility and obtained copies of pertinent facility records. The LPA and QAS were informed by Staff #1 (S1) the current census for the home was five residents with three residents currently present in the facility. S1 advised one of the five residents was currently at their day program and the other resident was hospitalized. At 10:45 AM a telephone interview was conducted with Administrator Venie Gonzales.

On 11/02/2021, Investigator Slatic received additional information regarding the investigation. On 12/09/2021, at approximately 9:10 AM, Investigator Slatic conducted an interview with C1. At 10:10 AM, an interview was also conducted with Administrator Venie Gonzales. TCRC QAS, Aced-Arnett, was also present for these interviews. On 12/10/2021, Investigator Slatic contacted the complainant who advised they had no additional complaint information. During the course of the investigation, Investigator Slatic also reviewed relevant facility records.

Interviews and record review revealed C1 had a previous history of sexual abuse by an individual with the same name as I1. Interviews also revealed the facility has 24-hour awake staff with C1 having a private bedroom. Due to C1 having a history of sexually inappropriate behavior in the past, staff also keep an extra eye on C1. Interviews also revealed C2 has a roommate who requires 1:1 supervision for 16 hours a day and there have been no reports of C2 attempting to enter C1’s bedroom or C2 wandering at night. Record review revealed no staff or clients with the same name of I1 reside at the facility. During the interview with C1, C1 only indicated C1 was previously abused. Based on the information obtained, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of ‘Client is being sexually abused’. Therefore, the allegation is deemed unsubstantiated at this time.

The allegation of client is being physically abused, alleged C1 had been punched by C2 who is C1’s roommate. During the interview with C1, C1 did not disclose any physical abuse by C2. Interviews also revealed C1 and C2 are not roommates and the increased supervision of C2’s roommate makes its unlikely C2 went into C1’s room without staff knowledge. There are also no reports of C1 having any unexplained injuries. Based on the information obtained, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “Client is being physically abused”. Therefore, the allegation is deemed unsubstantiated at this time.