A new report from the Disability Law Center alleges that Utah's failure to effectively oversee care centers has led to preventable injuries and deaths, prompting advocates to call for urgent state reforms to protect vulnerable residents. The report, titled "Profits Over People: Utah's Oversight Failures Create a Lifetime of Harm," claims that state officials have prioritized facility profits over the well-being of Utahns with disabilities.
Fatal Failures and Neglect
The Disability Law Center's findings highlight several high-profile tragedies resulting from inadequate supervision. In February, three men with developmental disabilities died after being left in a running vehicle inside a closed garage for more than four hours while an employee watched television and ate in an apartment, according to the report. Following those deaths, state licensors inspected six residential sites operated by Safe and Sound Services and found that only one appeared to have no significant problems. One location was described as having a resident living in a filthy basement room with no door and only a mattress on the floor, while another resident reported being yelled at and denied access to their money.
Nursing Home Safety Concerns
The report also details a fatal incident at Paramount Health and Rehabilitation, a Millcreek nursing home owned by Beaver County and operated by the Ensign Group. Last December, a resident and Vietnam Veteran was left unsupervised while smoking because a staffer left him alone to assist another patient. The resident caught fire and died from his burns after other residents attempted to extinguish the flames with their hands and liquids, including hot coffee. While Utah licensors investigated and determined Paramount failed to provide adequate supervision, the facility received only an $11,500 fine.
Unsanitary Living Conditions
Observers from the Disability Law Center reported unsanitary conditions during visits to Paramount Health and Rehabilitation, noting that multiple residents were dressed only in briefs without any other clothing. The report described the facility as outdated and unclean, with some residents' mattresses placed directly on the floor. While the building recently underwent cosmetic upgrades in the hallway, the nonprofit noted it was not readily apparent how the facility has spent the $22.8 million in Upper Payment Limit funds it has received since 2017.
Calls for Systemic Reform
Disability Law Center public affairs supervising attorney Nate Crippes stated that Utah does not provide the oversight necessary to protect those who need long-term services. Crippes noted that providers often engage in the same types of harm for years without facing increased fines or repercussions, which allows public funds intended for patient care to be diverted from their intended purpose. He further argued that policymakers, including the Legislature and the governor, have not taken sufficient action to reform the system.
State Response and Oversight Efforts
In response to the report, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a statement on Monday saying the stories outlined in the report weigh heavily on officials. The department stated that the safety of Utahns is at the core of its purpose and that it agrees taxpayer dollars should be used as intended. DHHS officials noted they have already identified many of the concerns raised and are working to implement changes, including the hiring of four new workers in their disability services division and a quality assurance administrator.
Funding and Transparency Issues
The debate over funding extends to the Upper Payment Limit Program, which provides federal funds to support higher staffing levels in rural areas. A recent state audit found that approximately 51% of the funds received through this program went to administrative costs, owner compensation, and hospital operating expenses rather than direct patient care. Beaver Valley Hospital CEO Scott Langland has pushed back against these findings, stating that the actual percentage is much lower when considering the high cost of participation in the program. Langland estimated that Beaver Valley Hospital, which owns more than 40 nursing homes across the state, will make a net profit of just 4% this year.
Future Policy Directions
The Disability Law Center's recommendations include requiring care providers to prove they can safely care for residents before receiving a license and ensuring state funds support increased staffing and resident care. The report also calls for the licensing division to be equipped with more staff, training, and better tools. As lawmakers consider these issues, the Interim Health and Human Services Committee has opened a bill file to explore ways to address the concerns raised by the audit and the Disability Law Center's findings.
