complaint·August 6, 2021

The investigation revealed the following: A llegation: Facility staff withheld money from the resident. It is alleged the facility staff withheld money from the resident. Based on record review, the Admission Agreement shows the victim was admitted to the facility on August 14, 2020. Resident #1’s monthly SSI rate for all basic services is $1079.37. The agreement states that if the resident is not able to manage his finances or if he has no conservator, the administrator will manage and supervise his cash resources. The department attempted to interview eleven residents (#1-#11); nine (9) residents were available, but two (2) residents were not able to provide feedback. Resident (#9) refused to respond, while Resident (#11) was unavailable during the interview. During the department interview, the administrator (Staff #1) admitted there are 12 residents whose SSI/SSDI payment or private money have been withheld in July 2021 due to the facility’s Check system error and the facility’s inability to produce cash. Staff #1 stated the facility deposits the resident's check(s) and cash it out for them. Staff #1 admitted the facility withheld Resident #1’s checks in the amount of $200 dated June 22, 2021, and $138.00 dated June 23, 2021, from the County of Los Angeles, Public Administration – Public Guardian. Staff #1 stated the facility does not have available cash on hand to give to the residents, and there are no alternatives to obtain cash other than through the RFMS check system. Staff #1 revealed the cash resources of 12 residents payees have been given to them on July 30, 2021. Staff #1 added the facility gave $20.00 cash to Resident #1 on July 23, 2021. The Director of Social Services also admitted there are some residents who were affected by the Check System error, and their SSI/SSDI money has been withheld during July 2021. Residents (#2, #3, #5, #6, #7, and #4) provided feedback to the interviews and stated the facility does not handle their cash resources. Residents #8 and #10 explained the facility handles their cash resources, and they have not received their July SSI/SSDI payments as of July 27, 2021, due to the failure of the facility’s check system. Resident #1, the alleged victim, stated the facility withheld his July SSI payment and private money. Resident #1 was unable to provide the amount of the money owed to him by the facility. Resident #1 received his July SSI payment and private money on July 30, 2021 from the facility. Interviews and records review concur with the above allegation. Based on LPA’s observations, interviews, and records review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. According to the California Code of Regulations (Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8), LPA observed the following deficiency and issued a citation. An interview was conducted with Gwendolyn Craig, the Administrator, and a hard copy was provided along with Appeal rights.