SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A new report from the California auditor’s office has revealed significant issues with the state’s oversight of addiction treatment facilities, highlighting delays and lapses in both inspections and complaint investigations. According to the audit, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has struggled to conduct timely and thorough reviews, with compliance inspections and complaint investigations suffering the most.
The audit found that DHCS was late on inspections for half of the 26 facilities reviewed, and in 22 out of 60 complaints examined, investigations dragged on for over a year, far exceeding the department’s internal guideline of 30 to 60 days. Additionally, DHCS has not consistently followed up with certain unlicensed facilities found to be providing or advertising services requiring a license, like detoxification, to ensure they stop offering unauthorized services.
“Because Health Care Services’ inspections can identify health and safety issues that may be detrimental to residents, it is important that the department conduct them on time,” the report stated.
One inspection delay revealed employees lacking proof of licenses and necessary health screenings, including tuberculosis tests. Another uncovered moldy food, improperly stored open packages, and residents without documented health screenings—conditions that could attract pests or pose health risks.
“We found that delays in conducting complaint investigations can potentially put resident safety at risk. For example, in one of the investigations that took more than 800 days, Health Care Services did not find evidence to substantiate the initial allegation. However, the complaint analyst found evidence during the investigation of the facility having expired food, not destroying the medication of discharged residents, and altering prescription medication labels,” the report stated. “Nonetheless, when it does not complete investigations within the required time frame, Health Care Services cannot identify problems promptly, ensure that facilities take appropriate corrective actions, and safeguard the health and safety of residents.”