Psychiatric Patients Abused, Disability Laws Violated at Cerritos Hospital for Extended Periods
Following the release of Disability Rights California's (DRC) report titled "Let Me Go: Excessive Restraint of Patients at College Hospital," state and federal officials have taken action to address the systemic abuse and failures in care at the private psychiatric facility in Cerritos.
The report, published on May 20, 2025, revealed a troubling pattern of inappropriate restraint and seclusion, as well as questionable use of involuntary emergency medications, particularly impacting patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and significant mental illness.
In response, Disability Rights California has conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing patients and staff, and reviewing extensive documents. This investigation led to the publication of a detailed report that has garnered significant media attention and public scrutiny of the hospital's practices.
The report's findings have prompted state government officials to call for accountability and reform of private psychiatric hospital practices. The systemic problems affecting vulnerable individuals highlighted in the report have led state officials to consider regulatory and oversight responses.
Disability Rights California has actively publicized the findings through press conferences, social media, and ongoing advocacy efforts. This has raised awareness among policymakers and the public about the abuses at College Hospital.
While there have been no formal disciplinary or legal actions by state or federal regulatory agencies as of yet, the report's exposure and media coverage suggest mounting pressure on officials to address these violations comprehensively. Historically, such reports often lead to follow-up investigations by health and human services departments, potential licensing reviews, and calls for legislative reforms.
College Hospital houses several locked units for patients with "dual diagnoses" (intellectual or developmental disabilities and significant mental illness). However, many remain institutionalized indefinitely due to the hospital's failure to create individualized behavioral plans or conduct regular assessments. Staff at the hospital often skipped required de-escalation techniques and resorted to immediate physical or chemical control.
Between 2022 and 2024, College Hospital reported hundreds of restraint incidents lasting over two hours, with a statewide average of just four. This raises serious concerns about the hospital's environment, which is described as restrictive, outdated, and not trauma-informed, with little evidence of meaningful therapeutic programming.
The hospital's failure to provide treatment plans amounts to forced warehousing, according to the report. Protesters have converged on College Hospital in the past to voice concerns about working conditions at the mental health facility.
Despite the extensive evidence of violations, the California Department of Public Health has not fined or sanctioned College Hospital. The hospital has not returned requests for comment from Los Cerritos Community News and has not issued a formal response regarding DRC's findings. However, the hospital has disputed the findings, claiming that its patient population is clinically complex and that restraints are used only as a last resort.
The hospital's president, Dr. Jose Fierro, is the second longest-serving president in Cerritos College's history, second only to... (This fact is not self-contained and relies on prior context.) His employment contract as president/superintendent of Cerritos College was extended through 2026.
The full report is available at disabilityrightsca.org. The public is urged to stay informed and engage with their representatives to advocate for reform and improved patient safety practices at College Hospital.
- The city council has been informed about the environmental issues in the community news, specifically regarding the events taking place at College Hospital.
- The science industry has been closely monitoring the medical-conditions, such as chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease and respiratory conditions, affecting patients at College Hospital.
- Mental health professionals are concerned about the therapies and treatments provided to patients with psoriasis and other skin conditions at the hospital.
- The business community is discussing the financial implications of the hospital's practices and the potential impact on banking and insurance industries.
- The education and self-development sector is promoting goal-setting and personal-growth workshops to help individuals navigate the complexities of institutions like College Hospital.
- The sports community, including football enthusiasts like those who follow the NFL, NCAA football, and American football, are showing solidarity with the protesters demanding better care at College Hospital.
- The hospital's staff are being questioned about their compliance with de-escalation techniques during the use of restraints, a topic often discussed in fitness and exercise circles.
- The hospital's failure to address chronic diseases and mental health issues has raised concerns about the adequacy of health and wellness services offered.
- The hospital's president, Dr. Jose Fierro, is also involved in the education sector, as he serves as the second longest-serving president in Cerritos College's history.
- The report's findings have prompted discussions in the career industry about potential reforms and improvements in privately run psychiatric facilities.
- CBD has been suggested as a potential alternative treatment for some mental health conditions, but its use in facilities like College Hospital remains to be seen.
- The hospital's environment is under scrutiny for its restrictive nature and lack of trauma-informed care.
- College Hospital's practices have sparked calls for legislative reforms to better protect the rights of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- The public is encouraged to stay informed, engage with their representatives, and support businesses that promote health and wellness above institutionalization.
