Lohan May Have Been A No-Show At Unlicensed Newport Beach Rehab Facility
NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Lindsay Lohan reportedly checked into Morningside Recovery Center in Newport Beach Thursday morning, but a CBSLA investigation found that eight of the group's 11 listed facilities operating under "Morningside Recovery, LLC" are unlicensed, and witnesses say they never saw Lohan get out of her car and enter the building.
Some members of the paparazzi had been waiting for the star since late Wednesday evening, but witnesses say they never actually saw the actress. If Lohan doesn't check in by Friday morning, a court could issue a warrant for her arrest.
According to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Morningside is not licensed to provide residential alcohol or other drug treatment at any of its facilities.
"No residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment facility may be operated in the state without a current, valid license issued by the Department. At this time, Morningside is not licensed to operate a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment facility at any location in California. The Department is currently in litigation with Morningside regarding their continued operation of residential alcoholism or drug abuse facilities without a license. The trial on those issues is scheduled for December 2, 2013 in the Orange County Superior Court," the DAPD said in a statement issued to CBSLA.
The group's eight unlicensed facilities were issued cease and desist orders on April 23, 2012, according to a March 13, 2013, report by the Department. The three remaining Costa Mesa and Newport Beach locations had their licenses suspended in November 2011 and later revoked in September 2012, according to the DADP's Web site.
The DADP also released court documents to CBSLA.
In one instance, the department says the corporation knew inspectors were coming and moved medication from one location to another "with the intent to deceive department staff."
In another case, investigators found that one client was not afforded "safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations." The man later died.
Mary Helen Beatificato, Chief Executive Officer of Morningside Recovery, issued the following statement to CBSLA:
"The ADP has alleged since April 2012 that Morningside's operation of structured sober living homes and a clinical facility require an additional residential treatment license. However, this issue has been litigated on at least 3 different occasions. First, at an administrative law hearing on May 20, 2012, and at two subsequent Orange County Superior Court hearings in November 2012 and March 2013. At the most recent court hearings, the ADP's requested a shut-down order as well as an alternative order which would have prevented Morningside from admitting any new clients. All of the ADP's requests have been denied."
The facility treats mental health issues, as well as several types of addiction.
"Morningside Recovery is dedicated to providing exceptional care, treatment and services for men and women who are chemically dependent or suffering from mental health or co-occurring disorders," according to its Web site.
Despite reports that Lohan is not at the center — including Splash News photos that appear to show the actress at a Fountain Valley Fry's Electronics store at 9 a.m. Thursday — her lawyer said otherwise Thursday morning.
"My client is ensconced in the bosom of that facility right now," Lohan's attorney Mark Heller told Judge James R. Danbey during a progress report hearing.
The troubled actress had court approval to enter a rehab facility in New York, but the center's alleged anti-smoking policy reportedly prompted Lohan to reconsider. Morningside does allow smoking, but the facility has not been approved by the prosecutors, according to reports.
Lohan was sentenced to three months in rehab after pleading no contest in March to misdemeanor lying charges stemming from a June 2012 accident on Pacific Coast Highway. She was also sentenced to 18 months of psychotherapy and 30 days of community service.
Santa Monica City Attorney Terry White was blindsided by her decision to stay at Morningside.
"Apparently we have a facility that neither the LA City Attorney or my office has agreed with. I just heard about it yesterday," White said.
White also said he had not been able to interview the rehab center's director to ensure it met the court's requirements.
However, Judge Danbey said the center appears to "fall within the parameters" of her plea deal with prosecutors.
A new hearing was set for May 10 when prosecutors will determine if the Morningside "program is acceptable," Danbey said.
Lohan will remain at the Orange County facility at least until that date.
Heller will have to show the court his client's proof of rehab completion on July 31.
Beatificato also issued the following statement to CBSLA:
"It has been reported in the media that Morningside has no license/certification to provide drug and alcohol treatment. This is completely false. Morningside Recovery operates a number of structured residential sober living homes in the cities of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. These structured sober living homes have live in house managers who are employed by Morningside to enforce house rules and conduct daily breathalyzer tests on each of its clients. No treatment is conducted inside these homes.
Morningside also operates a 6300 square foot clinical facility where all drug, alcohol and mental health treatment is provided. This clinical facility is certified by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs as meeting all minimum standards of care and treatment. Additionally, all of our clinicians are licensed and in good standing with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and include individuals with varying levels of academic credentials including: MD, Ph.D., MFT, MA, CADC, CACDC, CCGC, CEDC, CET, Adventure Therapy, and other treatment specialties. We have successfully treated thousands of patients through our program, many of which have been ordered to us by state and federal courts. Our clinical team is highly specialized in the treatment of substance abuse and more importantly, the psychiatric illnesses which often accompany individuals suffering from with chemical dependency issues.
It has been reported in the media that Morningside has no license/certification to provide drug and alcohol treatment. This is completely false.
Media reports today regarding Morningside Recovery's licenses are vastly inaccurate. Prior to November 2011, Morningside provided residential detoxification at one of its locations. In November 2011, this detoxification license was suspended and later revoked by the ADP for issues ranging from the improper storage of medication to failing to destroy medications after a client's discharge. Any reference to the suspension and/or revocation of Morningside's license on the ADP's website and/or in the media is in reference to Morningside's ability to provide residential detoxification services. This license revocation has no bearing and/or relevance to the services provided by Morningside since November 2, 2012."
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