Staff Lack of Knowledge on Abuse Reporting Procedures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff members understood and followed the facility's policies and procedures regarding abuse reporting. Specifically, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was unable to identify the facility's Abuse Coordinator and did not recall receiving training on abuse prevention. Additionally, a Registered Nurse (RN) was unaware of the required agencies to notify in the event of an abuse allegation and incorrectly believed that the facility had 24 hours to report such allegations, rather than the required two hours. The RN also stated that they would wait to investigate and confirm abuse before reporting, contrary to policy. Interviews with the Director of Staff Development confirmed that all allegations of abuse must be reported to the Department of Public Health, the Ombudsman, and local law enforcement within two hours, as outlined in the facility's policies. Review of the facility's policies further indicated that staff orientation and training should cover abuse prevention, identification, and reporting. The failure of staff to know and follow these procedures was identified through interviews and record reviews, with no mention of specific residents being directly affected at the time of the deficiency.