SCDPH: Assisted living facility loses license after residents found locked inside
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Dept. of Public Health has closed down the J.C. Laraes Southwinds Assisted Living Facility saying it was necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of its residents.
When the inspectors got there Tuesday, July 15, people were locked inside, there was cases of no supervision and in some cases inspectors could tell employees hadn’t been there for at least 24 hours.
The facility was closed less than a day later.
“It is the responsibility of long-term care facilities to operate in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and permits,” said Gwen Thompson.
If you suspect any type of wrongdoing you can find an online complaint form here.
Anyone unable to submit a health facility complaint online can call DPH at 1-800-922-6735 and indicate that they wish to file a complaint against a health facility or service, and DPH will follow-up as needed.
To learn more about DPH’s role with permitting long-term care facilities and find applicable state regulations at dph.sc.gov/professionals/
To search public records for enforcement actions taken by DPH against facilities in South Carolina, visit this page.
