Patient abuse cases investigated

State legislators are launching an investigation into reports of patient abuse at institutions for residents with developmental disabilities.

The probe will determine whether the Office of Protective Services properly reviewed patient deaths and injuries at five facilities—in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sonoma and Tulare counties—that treat patients with conditions like cerebral palsy, severe autism and other cognitive disabilities, according to California Healthline. A previous investigation conducted by California Watch found that OPS officers did not properly evaluate 327 cases of patient abuse and 762 unexplained patient injuries since 2006.

Sen. Carol Liu (D-Glendale) said the findings “call into question the efficacy of the investigators employed by the department.”