Failure to Report Allegation of Neglect in Required Timeframe
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of neglect involving a resident within the required timeframe. The resident, who had diagnoses of high blood pressure, anemia, and hyperlipidemia, expressed concern about her care during a physical therapy evaluation. She reported that she had activated her call light between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. because she needed assistance, but the aide who responded turned off the call light without providing the necessary care, stating there were many call lights on. The aide did not return to assist the resident until 1:40 p.m., which led to the resident feeling neglected. The incident was documented in a Grievance/Concern Form, and staff were interviewed and educated about the proper handling of call lights. However, the Social Services Director did not report the incident as neglect, and the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the allegation was not reported to the State Agency as required. This oversight was identified during a review of incidents submitted to the State Agency, which did not include the neglect allegation involving the resident.
Plan Of Correction
Resident R6 incident submitted 1/27/25. Education on reporting process will be provided to the social worker and interim DON by the NHA or designee on or before 2/11/2025. Reports need to be completed within 24 hours or for abuse cases within 2 hours. Audits will be conducted to ensure all incidents that are required to be reported are reported timely by DON or designee weekly x 4 weeks and monthly x 1 month. Audit results will be reviewed through the monthly QAPI process/meeting.