Complaint·September 4, 2024

It was reported that staff violated a resident’s personal rights by taking a photograph of a resident in the bathroom. The Department received a self-reported incident report on 08/20/2024 stating that on an unknown date, Staff 1 (S1) and Staff 2 (S2) took a selfie in front of Resident 1 (R1) who was on the toilet in their personal bathroom and exposed in the picture. Staff members then shared the picture among their personal circles. Staff 3 (S3) reported the incident to ED Willis on 08/20/2024. Interviews conducted on 08/21/2024, 08/29/2024, and 09/04/2024 revealed that staff members S1, S2, and S3 involved in the incident have been suspended and are in the process of termination for involvement. Photo evidence from a credible witness was received. LPA Barutyan spoke with management company representative, Wendy Souders, at 10:48AM on 08/29/2024 who did not authorize to release requested documents pertinent to the investigation. LPAs spoke with Wendy Souders over the phone today, 09/04/2024, at 10AM who again did not authorize the release of requested documents. During the time of the visit around 12:30PM, the management company called ED Willis to inform him to release the requested documents to the LPAs. Based on photo evidence received from a credible witness, interviews conducted, and pertinent documents obtained, the allegation “staff violated resident’s personal rights” is deemed SUBSTANTIATED at this time. The following deficiency was observed (See LIC 9099-D) and cited from the California Code of Regulations, Title 22 and/or California Health and Safety Code. Administrator was informed that failure to correct the deficiency may result in civil penalties. Exit interview conducted. Appeal rights and a copy of the report was provided.