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32 | It was alleged that the facility’s grocery budget was recently limited to $400 per month, which leaves the facility without food and basic necessities halfway through the week. LPA inspected the facility, conducted health and safety checks on the clients, and observed no health and safety issues. LPA inspected the facility’s food supply and observed the facility has a two-day supply of perishables and a seven-day supply of non-perishable food is available as required, expiration dates were marked and there were no expired foods, and the facility has sufficient supplies of soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. LPA interviewed two clients and four staff and did not obtain information corroborating the allegation, but did obtain information that the facility ran out of specific food items, such as cereal and tortillas, and that the menu was not followed due to lack of specific ingredients. Per interviews of two clients and four staff, both clients received all of their meals and had no complaints regarding the food at the facility. LPA interviewed AD and PM who denied the allegation. Per AD and PM, due to recent staffing changes, the process for purchasing groceries changed for approximately the last two months because AD did not have a purchasing card to purchase groceries, but the issue has now been resolved. LPA reviewed an email dated October 23, 2024, regarding AD’s purchasing card which corroborated that the issue with AD’s purchasing card has now been resolved. LPA reviewed the facility’s menus for the past year and did not obtain information corroborating the allegation. AD and PM denied that the grocery budget has changed and stated that the budget is created by the Regional Center but the facility will spend more than the budget if necessary to ensure clients are eating well. LPA reviewed the facility’s monthly budget and the facility’s grocery bills for 2024 which show the facility is following the grocery budget and that the facility’s spending on groceries has been consistent. The information obtained did not corroborate the allegation.
Based on the information gathered during the investigation and review of all documents obtained, the Department is unable to ascertain if the above allegations occurred as reported. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove or refute the alleged violation occurred; therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was discussed with and provided to facility representative. |