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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury • 2017-2018 • Agency Response

County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors Agenda Item Transmittal (1) Department (2) Meeting Date (3)

Published: July 10, 2018 6 pages

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⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings 6 findings

The PHF facility is woefully inadequate for a psychiatric hospital. Response: The respondent disagrees partially with the finding. The Psychiatric Health Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety.

There is not enough room for the programs and therapies required towards a goal of recovery; a separate and dedicated area is lacking for both treatment rooms and physical exercise. Response: The respondent partially disagrees with this finding. The Psychiatric Health Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety.

The facility lacks adequate natural lighting and is excessively dreary when compared to a modern psychiatric hospital. Response: The respondent partially disagrees with this finding. The Psychiatric Health Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety. The interior was painted with a light color in 2018, and the Department will work with the Public Works Department to evaluate lighting options in FY 2018-19.

In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation during the night or evening, the required staffing is insufficient for the safety of the patients, staff, and community. In an area-wide emergency, law enforcement may not be able to respond. Response: The respondent disagrees with this finding. The Psychiatric Health Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety.

Inmates in the patient population impact other patients and may require full time supervision within the facility. Response: The respondent agrees with this finding.

The outdoor area is inadequate for the number of patients served and doesn’t provide space for exercise. Response: The respondent partially disagrees with this finding. The Psychiatric Health Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety.

Recommendations 5

R2

The San Luis Obispo County Jail should have its own dedicated psychiatric hospital facility, serving only inmates. This would limit the number of inmates admitted as patients in the PHF. When inmates are admitted to the new PHF, a correctional deputy should be assigned. This recommendation has been partially implemented. The Sheriff’s Office is in the process of establishing a behavioral health unit at the Jail for inmates that will provide intensive day treatment services. The facility is anticipated to open in FY 2018-19. Additionally, through a Request for Proposal process for Jail healthcare services, the County included an option for proposers to estimate the cost of staffing and operating a psychiatric health facility at the Jail.
R3

The County should find or build a new psychiatric hospital facility, with sufficient room for patient treatment and recovery. Funding could come from reserves sources (County and/or MHSA) or pursuing a state grant. This recommendation will not be implemented at this time as it is not feasible. If new funding becomes available or current funding can be redirected, this option will be evaluated. The County is committed to maintaining and improving the existing Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF). OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/IMPACT The Health Agency and County Administrative Office drafted the recommended responses to the Grand Jury report. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Costs for preparing this response are included in current department budgets. RESULTS This response meets the legal requirements and time frames for responding to a Grand Jury report under California Penal Code Section 933. Under California Penal Code Section 933, the County must provide comments to the Presiding Judge no later than 90 days after the Grand Jury submits a final report.
R4

The current lighting should be replaced with natural spectrum lights (preferable LEDs). The facility interior should be painted and the ceiling tiles replaced/repaired to provide an improved therapeutic environment. Response: The recommendation has been implemented. The facility interior was painted with a light color in 2018. Ceiling tiles have been replaced. The Department will work with the Public Works Department to evaluate lighting options in FY 2018-19.
R5

Upgrade video surveillance capabilities. Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The County is in the process of replacing the existing camera recording hardware with the current model. This replacement is scheduled to be completed in August 2018. Shortly after the recording hardware is replaced, the County will conduct a review of existing cameras and make recommendations for replacements.
R6

The facility should annex additional area from the adjacent County facilities, adding the treatment and therapy environments to improve effectiveness and safety. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented as it is not feasible. If new grants, State, or Federal funds become available this option will be evaluated.