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Sunday, October 26, 1997

State plans to revoke license of Laurel Ridge center for youths

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The state is seeking to revoke the license of a residential pyschiatric care facility for children after a two-month investigation prompted by the death of a 16-year-old Dallas patient.

The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services' probe into Laurel Ridge Residential Treatment Center included six other reported incidents over the summer, according to documents released by the state agency, which regulates such facilities.

The girl, a ward of the state being cared for at the center, died Aug. 18.

State officials declined to release details of the violations, but on Aug. 25 the agency issued an alert that it was relocating all 37 foster children who were patients of the center.

The facility had been caring for 45 patients, said Allan Cross, Laurel Ridge's chief executive officer.

Other reported incidents included two sexual abuse allegations that remain under investigation; a sexual abuse allegation determined to be unfounded; and another incident that was not described by state authorities.

San Antonio police have confirmed they were investigating incidents in which a 13-year-old girl is alleged to have been fondled and a 15-year-old boy is alleged to have been sexually assaulted.

"We will aggressively appeal their recommendations through the administrative process. We stand behind the quality of our operation and services,-- Laurel Ridge administrators said in a prepared statement.

Agency officials stressed they were seeking the license of only the residential treatment center and no other Laurel Ridge care facilities.

Laurel Ridge operates a 56-bed acute-care hospital as well as outpatient care facilities. It is owned by Austin-based Healthcare America.

State officials said in a statement: "The revocation notice is based on the department's findings that Laurel Ridge repeatedly failed to comply with the minimum standards for 24-hour child care facilities during the time period from April 11, 1997, through Aug. 29, 1997.--

Agency officials also said Laurel Ridge failed to address specific concerns brought to their attention Aug. 5.

"Generally, when we close a facility, it's because of a pattern of things,-- said Linda Edwards, a spokeswoman for the child protective services agency.

CEO Cross said that of the two employees alleged to be involved that a male employee had voluntarily quit and the other, a woman, remains on administrative leave.

He said the company was surprised by the state's plans.

"We met with their representatives several times, and at no time during this process did they advise us they had concerns about our plans for corrective action,-- Cross said.

Laurel Ridge Medical Director Dr. Lawrence Stone said there has not been a pattern of regulatory violations.