complaint·April 13, 2021

During the course of IB's investigation, there was insufficient evidence to substantiate that the facility contributed to the death of R1. R1 was a resident in the assisted living wing of the facility and received dressing/showering assistance, medication management, and could leave the facility unattended. Furthermore, R1 and R1's doctor and responsible party had a consultation on the day prior to R1's departure from the facility (4/13/20). R1's doctor noted R1 was asymptomatic and fully engaged in making decisions about R1's Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). Once approval was received by the Contra Costa Public Health Department, R1 authorized departure from the facility. As documented, R1 left on R1's own accord from the facility. It was also alleged that staff failed to contact R1's responsible party in a timely manner regarding R1's change in medical condition. Based on statements made by facility staff, medical records, and facility documents, R1 was provided proper care and, in instances where issues arose, the facility notified the family properly. Alerts, notifications, care report notes, and conversations with family about changes in R1's health were well documented. In the days leading to R1's departure, facility staff actively worked with the family and communicated all changes regarding R1. This agency has investigated the complaint allegations. We have found that the complaint was unfounded, meaning that the allegations were false, could not have happened and/or is without reasonable basis. We have therefore dismissed the complaint.