Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona Fined $25,000 Following Patient Death
State health regulators on Wednesday issued a $25,000 AA citation -- the most severe allowed under state law -- against the Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona for not sufficiently protecting a developmentally disabled resident who was beaten to death last August, the AP/Fresno Bee reports (AP/Fresno Bee, 7/2). The resident, Mark Orchen, age 31, had an IQ of about 20 because of a case of bacterial meningitis he developed when he was four months old (Weber/Ornstein Los Angeles Times, 7/5). According to the citation, the facility "failed to protect [Orchen] who was beaten to death at the facility by an unknown assailant." The report also indicated that the facility had documented more than a dozen instances in the six months prior to Orchen's death in which he had been injured "as a result of his aggressive behavior and retaliation from peers." The report added that staff had previously recommended Orchen be moved to a different unit that could more effectively deal with his aggressive behavior and protect him from harm. Although the center can appeal the citation and fine, it must "immediately implement a plan to prevent recurrence," Department of Health Services Director Diana Bonta said (AP/Fresno Bee, 7/2).
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