Teen treatment facility cited after alleged abuse leaves client hospitalized

ST. GEORGE — A teen treatment facility operating in four western states is facing serious sanctions at one of its locations after a staff member injured a client so severely the individual required surgery. According to a Notice of Agency Action issued by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services on Oct. 30, a St. George location of Crimson Heights violated multiple state rules during an incident on Aug. 3. The residential congregate care is located at 747 S. Mincio Lane #17. The report states that a staff member restrained a shirtless, dysregulated client in a prone position on landscaping rocks, causing multiple lacerations and a fractured elbow that required surgical intervention. The client, who is developmentally delayed, had asked for space and thrown rocks at the staff member, according to the report. Instead of disengaging, the staff member initiated a physical restraint that DHHS determined was not the least restrictive option and failed to meet trauma-informed standards. The Department cited violations of R380-80-6(1)(e), which guarantees clients the right to be free from abuse, and R501-1-4(5)(a,e), which mandates safe and appropriate behavior management techniques. Crimson Heights, which operates facilities in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado, describes itself on its website as supporting “individuals experiencing Autism, Trauma, RAD, ADHD, ODD, Anxiety, Depression and Development challenges.” The facility serves patients ranging from children to teenagers. In response to the incident, DHHS placed immediate conditions on the facility’s license. Crimson Heights is prohibited from admitting new patients, must undergo increased monitoring inspections and is required to retrain staff on de-escalation and restraint protocols. The facility must also notify all clients, guardians and placing agencies of the license conditions and post the Notice of Agency Action on-site and on its website homepage within five business days. The NAA was posted as a link on the licensing and credentialing page of the Crimson Heights website, but not on the company’s homepage, as stated in the letter from DHHS. KSL Investigators reached out to Ryan Ruud, Nate Marsh and Andi Cribbs, the listed owners and executives, for comment. KSL Investigators also contacted a spokesperson for DHHS about the notice. After publication on Nov. 11, Crimson Heights sent a statement to KSL, saying it “is supportive of a close working relationship with DHHS and has fully complied with all state requirements. We are committed to continued transparency and collaboration with the State to ensure the ongoing delivery of high-quality services.” DHHS later told KSL Investigators they consider Crimson Heights “in compliance.” While the NAA stated the notice must be on the homepage, the state administrative rule says it must be “on the program or facility website.” A spokesperson for DHHS said they will update the NAA template to clarify the posting requirement. The conditions placed on the license are set to remain in effect until Jan. 28, 2026, unless lifted earlier by the department. Crimson Heights must also provide documentation of staff training and compliance with state rules. Have you experienced something you think just isn’t right? The KSL Investigators want to help. Submit your tip at investigates@ksl.com or 385-707-6153 so we can get working for you.Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from Crimson Heights and clarify a state requirement for posting a Notice of Agency Action on a company’s website.

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