SNOHOMISH — The state has suspended the license of an adult family home near Snohomish amid allegations of misconduct.
Hundreds of doses of painkillers went missing from Country Care on 81st Place SE, according to a report by the Department of Social and Health Services. Patients apparently were denied their medications for months at a time, the state found.
“Our investigation has been turned over to law enforcement at this point,” agency spokesman Chris Wright said Monday.
“Our primary concern is the safety and security of the residents, and all five were moved from this home into other nearby adult family homes,” he said.
The owner, Colleen Crawford, said she plans to appeal the findings, which she called “total lies, 110 percent not the truth.”
Her license was suspended last week. DSHS also issued a 23-page report describing the findings of recent inspections. The Daily Herald obtained a copy of the document Monday.
Failures at the home “placed all residents at imminent risk of harm due to the provider’s disregard for their pain and discomfort,” the state said.
The home was licensed in 2004 to care for up to six residents, including those with dementia and those in hospice. None of the residents’ prescribed painkillers could be found during recent inspections, the state alleges.
Investigators were told that none of the medications had been delivered, but pharmacy records showed otherwise, according to the report. One patient was given a urine-analysis test on Oct. 13 that showed the presence of acetaminophen, but not her prescribed opioids.
Medication wasn’t the only source of complaints.
The state was unable to find proof that the home’s employees had appropriate caregiver credentials, according to the records. The home also is accused of falsifying records of caregiver interactions with patients. In addition, there have been questions about the various charges billed to families, who were paying thousands of dollars a month for the care of their loved ones.
The home reportedly had not paid its power bills for several months. The power would have been disconnected had there not been vulnerable people living there, according to the state.
Crawford said she has worked in the adult care business for 25 years and supplied investigators with all requested records.
“None of these allegations have been proven,” she said.
The state Department of Health also has been contacted about Country Care, according to DSHS. The health department oversees medical credentials.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @rikkiking.
Tip line
The state Department of Social and Health Services relies on tips from the public to launch investigations into adult family homes. Anyone with concerns about a home is encouraged to call 866-ENDHARM. Callers can be anonymous.
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