OLYMPIA -- The state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has suspended the license of Pleasant Valley Adult Family Living, a privately operated adult family home at 1310 Scoon Road in Sunnyside.

The adult family home, licensed to Kathleen Paul, is prohibited from admitting any new residents pending any appeal of the suspension.

DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration took the action after finding numerous violations of regulations that affected the safety and well-being of residents. The violations include but are not limited to:

• The provider did not allow two residents free access to and from their bedrooms when she used a child safety gate across the doorways to keep them locked and secluded in their rooms.
• Failure to ensure that four residents' medications were given as prescribed by their doctor.
• The provider did not consult with doctors or provide services for two residents who had open wounds.
• Four residents did not receive three meals a day in a 24 hour period.
• Employing a person who had a conviction for assault in the fourth degree.

The provider has the right to contest the suspension by requesting an administrative hearing within 28 days of state notification.