Utah Revoked License After Three Care Facility Deaths
The state took action against a disability service provider following a report on systemic oversight failures.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Special Needs
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked the license of Safe and Sound Services after three men in their care died in February 2026. A Disability Law Center report titled Profits Over People found that department oversight failures contributed to these deaths.
Why it matters
The report highlights systemic issues in how the state monitors high-risk disability care providers, leaving families concerned about the quality and safety of care for loved ones. The findings have prompted the department to overhaul its contracting and qualification requirements.
The report identified three deaths of men in care, while criminal charges have been filed against transport driver Isaiah Vaughn Pulu for his role in leaving the victims in a vehicle for four hours.
The players
Disability Law Center
An advocacy organization that works to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in Utah.
Utah Department of Health and Human Services
The state agency responsible for overseeing and licensing disability service providers.
Safe and Sound Services
A former state-licensed disability service provider that had its license revoked following fatal incidents.
Isaiah Vaughn Pulu
The 26-year-old former transport driver who faces three counts of murder in the 3rd District Court.
The details
Investigators allege the victims were left unattended inside a vehicle for approximately four hours while parked in a garage. The Disability Law Center report claims that the Department of Health and Human Services previously conducted inspections remotely or when no clients were present, failing to catch significant issues like missing background checks and sites lacking basic utilities like heat or running water.
Timeline
January 2026: Transport driver Isaiah Vaughn Pulu was reprimanded for client abandonment.
February 2026: Colton Warren Moser, Mosa'ati Moa, and Tim Jones died while in the care of Safe and Sound Services.
September 21, 2026: The Disability Law Center released its Profits Over People report.
The Home Front
This report highlights a critical breakdown in state oversight protocols that protect vulnerable populations receiving residential or transport care. It marks a push for stricter agency qualifications as the state attempts to align its vendor contracts with basic safety mandates.
Families with loved ones in state-managed care should verify that their service provider is currently licensed and request the latest public inspection results. It is also recommended to maintain direct communication with staff to ensure that your family member's specific care plan is being followed.
The takeaway
The state's shift toward higher qualifications for disability service agencies is intended to prevent future oversight failures. Families should feel empowered to ask providers for transparency regarding staff background checks and the frequency of on-site, in-person state inspections.
Further reading
For more information on state standards, visit Special Needs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPVI.
