LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 106.08 Graded Sanctions
 
  PROCEDURES
  1. Graded sanctions for Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH/Department) employees:

    Graded sanctions shall be imposed in accordance with the provisions of DMH Policy 605.01. (Please note the procedures which address factors to consider in deciding on appropriate discipline, including progressive and non-progressive discipline.)
     
    1. Graded sanctions apply to three (3) separate and distinct groups:
       
      1. DMH employees;
      2. Non-paid DMH employees (includes volunteers and interns); and
      3. Contractors.
         
    2. Graded sanctions are utilized when any of the following exist: confirmation of a non-compliant act or acts and a confirmation of a subject’s culpability in such acts.
       
    3. DMH Human Resources Bureau will be involved in any situation in which graded sanctions for DMH employees are considered. Subjects under consideration for graded sanctions must be afforded due process and be advised of their appeal rights.
       
  2. Graded Sanctions for Non-Paid DMH Employees (Volunteers):

    Graded sanctions shall be applied to volunteers except when in conflict with the provisions noted in DMH Policy 600.11, Section D, which calls for immediate dismissal when specified actions are taken by the volunteer or at the discretion of the Department.
     
    1. Graded sanctions shall include:
       
      1. Initial warning;
      2. Reprimand;
      3. Suspension; and
      4. Eventual discharge from the position.
         
  3. Graded Sanctions for Contractors:

    Graded sanctions shall be applied as recommended by the DMH Executive Management Team/Compliance Program Steering Committee and approved by County Counsel.
     
    1. Some provisions may include, but not be limited to:
       
      1. Suspension of payments;
      2. Reporting of non-compliance to enforcement agencies and the Contractor’s Board of Directors; and
      3. When all other options have been exhausted, termination of the contract as outlined in the contract providers’ respective agreement with Los Angeles County.