Three Pierce County drug treatment centers are on probation for at least ten years, following an investigation by the Washington Department of Health.
The order was issued against Rainier Recovery Centers, which provides outpatient substance use disorder treatment in Gig Harbor, Lakewood and Puyallup.
Among its findings, the department alleges that the company employed unqualified counselors and failed to ensure clinical records were accurate and met requirements, ultimately endangering the public.
Rainier Recovery leadership has denied the allegations but agreed to the terms of probation to continue operating.
The report by the department alleges the company employed counselors “who lacked required education and supervision to provide the services the facilities were licensed for,” according to the department.
The department interviewed current and former staff members and reviewed records as part of its investigation.
One staff member told the department that a “number of Rainier Recovery’s employees have licenses that are invalid, or they do not have a license at all.”
The report also details allegations that the company colluded with an unnamed law firm. A Rainier Recovery staff member claimed an attorney allegedly sent clients to Rainier Recovery so long as the center ensured the clients met their conditions and were compliant.
Staff told the department that the center would allow some patients to refuse drug tests, and in other cases, drug test results were falsified.
Staff also alleged that employees walked down recommendations of care for patients, despite evidence to suggest more care was necessary.
“Rainier Recovery Center’s focus at all times has been on the welfare of its clients,” said Seth Rosenberg, an attorney for the company. “It believes it was taking all reasonable steps to address any issues that arose.”
Rainier Recovery owner and CEO Jeremiah Dunlap denied the allegations to KIRO 7, but said he signed the probation order so the centers could reopen, and so that clients could return to services and not be without care.
Dunlap said he could not financially afford to “draw this out in court.”
He said the patients “are what matters” and “why he opened this center.”
As part of the probation order Dunlap agreed to, Rainier Recovery will be fined $10,000, and must hire an outside consultant to assist with an operational overhaul. The company must also hire an administrator to oversee the implementation of changes, and submit a plan of correction to the department.
Dunlap “many not be involved in the organization, governance or management of any of Rainier Recovery’s current or future sites or branch sites except for in the very limited capacity as a member of Rainier Recovery’s governing body.”
“The order reflects Rainier Recovery’s commitment to quality care,” Rosenberg said. “The fact that the department has allowed it to reopen shows that it too has confidence in the center.”
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