LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 302.05 Reporting Suspected/Alleged Sexual Behavior between Service Providers and Clients
 
  PROCEDURES
  1. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) service providers who become aware of sexual behavior between a current/former service provider and a client shall immediately consult with their supervisor, or next in the chain of command, regarding the nature and details of the alleged sexual behavior. The informed supervisor shall notify the Program Manager for additional actions which shall include the following:
     
    1. Determining any necessary changes in treatment to ensure appropriate service;
       
    2. Considering reassignment of the client;
       
    3. Documenting the actions administratively; 
       
    4. Notifying the current Health and Safety Officer at Human Resources found at the DMH Health and Safety website; and
       
    5. Completing a Security Incident Report (SIR).
       
  2. The Program Manager receiving information regarding suspected/alleged sexual behavior between a service provider and a client shall:
     
    1. Notify Clinical Risk Management via secure email at DMH Safety Intelligence as soon as possible.
       
    2. Complete a DMH Clinical Event Report (CER) through the online Safety Intelligence (SI) Event Reporting System according to the DMH Policy 303.05.
       
    3. Notify Human Resources via secure email at DMH Performance Management.
       
    4. Ensure that the client transferred to a new service provider and offered the option of transferring to another program site while the allegations are being investigated.
       
    5. Provide the booklet Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior, and discuss with the client.

      *  Please note that a Spanish version is available on the Department of Consumer Affairs website.
      * Any other language or communication needs should be addressed in compliance with DMH Policies 200.09, 200.02, and 200.03.
       
    6. Ensure that the allegation is documented in the clinical record.
       
    7. Refer the client to the Patients' Rights Office for any follow-up for advocacy at (800) 700-9996 or (213) 738-4888.