Delayed Reporting of Allegations of Neglect and Mistreatment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report allegations of neglect and mistreatment in a timely manner for two residents. For the first resident, a hospital visit summary indicated an injury, but the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) did not initiate an investigation until several days later. The NHA was not informed of the incident over the weekend, and the Director of Nursing (DON) and Director of Rehab were on leave. The NHA only became aware of the incident after being notified by corporate, which delayed the reporting to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). For the second resident, there were two separate incidents involving allegations of rough treatment by staff. The resident reported a staff member being rough and loud, but the NHA did not report the allegation until a day later. The NHA admitted to not asking detailed questions or interviewing other staff members. In another incident, a family member reported to the state agency that a staff member physically shook and yelled at the resident. The state agency investigated but did not substantiate the claim. The NHA did not obtain statements from the involved staff or follow up on the resident's complaints. The NHA acknowledged that the facility's process of waiting for corporate approval before reporting incidents affected the timeliness of their reporting and investigations. The facility's failure to promptly report and investigate these allegations resulted in deficiencies in meeting the regulatory requirements for reporting alleged violations of neglect and mistreatment.
Plan Of Correction
This plan of correction is submitted as required under state and federal laws. The submission of this plan of correction does not constitute an admission on the part of the skilled nursing facility as to the accuracy of the surveyor's findings or the conclusion drawn there from. The plan of correction does not constitute a deficiency or that the scope and severity regarding any of the deficiencies cited are correctly applied. Any changes to facility policy and procedures should be considered remedial measures as that concept is employed in rule 407 of the federal rules of evidence and should be inadmissible in any proceeding on that basis. The facility submits this plan of correction with the intention that it be inadmissible by any third party in any civil or criminal action against the facility or any employee, agent, officer, director, or shareholders of the facility. The facility has not waived any of its rights to contest any of these allegations or any allegation or action. F-609, Reporting Alleged Violations Element #1. Resident's #1 and #3 were assessed to ensure there were no negative outcome from the alleged deficient practice. No negative findings identified. Element #2. The Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and/or designee conducted an audit to identify any other allegations that were reported late within the past 30 days. Residents with previous reports were reassessed for ongoing safety and care concerns. No additional concerns identified. Element #3. Current facility staff will be in-serviced by the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and/or designee on timeliness of reporting allegations of neglect, and as well as the timeframes in which to report allegations to ensure they understand when and how to submit allegations in a timely manner. The Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and Director of Nursing (DON) were in-serviced by the Regional Vice President and/or Regional Nurse Consultant on timeliness of reporting allegations of neglect, and as well as the timeframes in which to report allegations to ensure they understand when and how to submit allegations in a timely manner. Element #4. The Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and/or designee will audit new reportables once a week for the next 60 days to ensure timeliness of reporting. Findings will be brought by the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and/or designee to the Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee monthly meeting for three months for further comments and/or recommendations. Element #5. Facility's Allegation of Compliance Date is .