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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
• 2018-2019
Inal Eport San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury
⚠️ 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.
Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F4
Findings 5 findings
F2
Page 14
The PHF facility is woefully inadequate for a psychiatric hospital. Health Agency response: “The respondent disagrees partially with the finding. The Psychiatric Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety.”
F3
Page 14
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. Health Agency response: “The respondent partially disagrees with this finding. The Psychiatric Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety.”
F5
Page 15
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. Health Agency response: “The respondent disagrees with this finding. The Psychiatric Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety.” The Grand Jury considers that staff and patient safety are a concern during the night shift. Law enforcement response to an emergency may not be timely and minimal staff are available to manage patients during an emergency. The Health Agency partially implemented:
F6
Page 14
F2, F3, F4, F5, F7 6 BoS Respondents
F7
Page 14
The outdoor area is inadequate for the number of patients served and doesn’t provide space for exercise. Health Agency response: “The respondent partially disagrees with this finding. The Psychiatric Facility has consistently passed all licensing reviews for both condition and safety.” Respondents Findings Agreed with Findings Partially Agreed with Findings Not Agreed with Total Follow Up Recommended Health Agency
Recommendations 10
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R1Page 15Even though the PHF second and third shifts meet minimum State standards, staffing levels should be increased for staff, patient, and community safety reasons. Health Agency response: “This recommendation has been partially implemented through the addition of permanent resources to the PHF in each of the past 5 years. The Department will continue to evaluate staffing needs at the PHF.”
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R2Page 14R3 2 2018-2019 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 5 CONTINUITY REPORT The Grand Jury recognizes the PHF meets licensing requirements but suggests that an expansion of space could provide a more therapeutic environment for patients and staff. The responses do not address the issues raised by the Grand Jury. The Health Agency disagreed with:
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R3Page 16The 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 [Mental Health Services Act]) or pursuing a state grant. Health Agency response: “Recommendation will not be implemented at this time as it is not feasible. If new grants, state, or federal funds become available this option will be evaluated.” Board of Supervisors response: “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).”
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R4Page 221 2018-2019 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 13 CONTINUITY REPORT improve the safety of both inmates and staff. In light of the increase in mental health jail inmates coming to the courthouse, this expansion is needed immediately. Sheriff's response: “This recommendation will not be implemented. The Judicial Council of California recognizes the inadequacy of the existing courthouse in San Luis Obispo and lists the construction of a new courthouse as a critical priority. The projected cost of a new courthouse is $148 million dollars.” There are currently 22 other courthouses in California waiting for funding ahead of San Luis Obispo County.
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R5Page 22Chief Probation Officer
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R6Page 16The facility should annex additional area from the adjacent County facilities, adding the treatment and therapy environments to improve effectiveness and safety. 2018-2019 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 7 CONTINUITY REPORT Health Agency 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.” The Grand Jury recognizes the difficulty inherent in obtaining funding, but appreciates the county’s commitment to maintaining and improving the existing facility. REPORT 2: “A Look at County Behavioral Health Services: A Time for Improvement is Now” Link to full report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F9Reoi_eBj1ebT1dI34xKNH6lgAA2mOF/view This report examined the San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department. The 2017-2018 Grand Jury investigated the services provided through Behavioral Health by interviewing a wide spectrum of employees, private mental health professionals, and representatives from local non- profit agencies with behavioral health ties. Through these interviews, document review, and facility inspections, the Grand Jury discovered that the County provides programs and services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries among the population of over 5,000 residents with severe mental illness. Twelve findings and seven recommendations were made.
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R7Page 18R1, R2, R5, R6 5 Health Agency
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R8Page 26The Sheriff should increase the staffing for the jail mental health workers to reduce the wait time for appointments from five days to one day or less. Sheriff's response: “This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. The County has a Request for Proposal (RFP) for jail medical and behavioral health services. …The proposal will address proper staffing levels that meet National Accreditation Standards.” 2018-2019 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 17 CONTINUITY REPORT The Grand Jury notes that the jail has contracted with Wellpath for medical, behavioral, and dental services, which will be overseen by the jail’s Chief Medical Officer. The 2019-2020 Grand Jury should follow-up to determine whether wait times have been reduced. The following recommendation will not be implemented at this time:
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R9Page 27The Sheriff should increase the staff in excess of the nine positions currently unfilled. Sheriff's response: “This recommendation will not be implemented at this time. Currently all Custody Deputy positions have been filled with someone either hired and in training, or involved in the final stages of the hiring process. More Custody Deputy positions would be welcomed when the County Budget has the ability to fund more positions.” Board of Supervisors response: “This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted at this time.” The Board approved the addition of a Backgrounds Investigation Officer, to decrease the time to recruit officers. If more resources are warranted after full staffing is achieved, the Sheriff would need to submit a request. The following recommendation requires further analysis:
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R10Page 28The County should procure and install a back-up generator (fixed or portable) on site to provide back-up power in case of an outage. Sheriff's response: “This recommendation will not be implemented at this time. The County has several portable generators on trailers that can be utilized should the Coroner’s Office lose power. A generator on site not only requires the outlay of initial cost, but preventive maintenance and 2018-2019 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 19 CONTINUITY REPORT testing to ensure the generator will work when needed. The current Sheriff and County generators already have maintenance in place and are available if needed. Adding another generator at this time is not currently budgeted but will be considered in the future when the County has the appropriate funds.”