California § 4473 - Whenever a patient dies in a state hospital for the developmentally disabled and

§ 4473. Whenever a patient dies in a state hospital for the developmentally disabled and

Whenever a patient dies in a state hospital for the developmentally disabled and the coroner finds that the death was by accident or at the hands of another person other than by accident, the State Department of Developmental Services shall determine upon review of the coroner’s investigation if such death resulted from the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of a state employee. If it is determined that such death directly resulted from the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of a state employee, the department shall immediately notify the State Personnel Board and any appropriate licensing agency and shall terminate the employment of such employee as provided by law. In addition, if such state employee is a licensed mental health professional, the appropriate licensing board shall inquire into the circumstances of such death, examine the findings of the coroner’s investigation, and make a determination of whether such mental health professional should have his license revoked or suspended or be subject to other disciplinary action. “Licensed mental health professional,” as used in this section, means a person licensed by any board, bureau, department, or agency pursuant to a state law and employed in a state hospital for the developmentally disabled.